Temporary Freedom

Out again
sentence suspended
chaotically converging
an army unwelcomed
reluctantly released from
ignoble incarceration
unpacked mended
laundered inspected
deemed fit for duty
young and old
no discrimination

mingling and merging
commending with pleasure
their prisonsprung state
forgetting the terms of
their closeted capture
savoring salvation and
endlessly peacock-parading
in battle fatigues

of red and blue and yellow
and green and grey
and the new black
and the old black
and the black black

together they tramp
with purposeful pleasure
braving the barrage of wind and rain
fog and sleet and snow
undaunted

It’s a sudden emergence
an annual resurgence
of hats and gloves and
coats and scarves and
warm wooly socks
and deadly umbrellas
waging war on inclement weather
a liberated legion
with temporary freedom
called to bear arms
on behalf of a shivering nation.


Zannie 2006
First Published in Bukker Tillibul Vol 3 2006