To a Freedom Fighter Maya Angelou

You drink a bitter draught.
I sip the tears your eyes fight to hold
A cup of lees, of henbane steeped
in chaff.
Your breast is hot,
Your anger black and cold,

Through evening's rest, you dream
I hear the moans, you die a
thousands' death.
When can straps flog the body
dark and lean, you feel the blow,
I hear it in your breath.