Download PDF of this full issue: v37n2.pdf (26.8 MB)

Savage Grace Unplugged (poem)

By Mike Pounds

"There was a time so long ago, that seems like yesterday.
The day the children lost their lives, a day for which I'll pay."

I placed my self behind these walls because of what I'd done.
I prayed some days, in several ways, to be denied the sun.
For the longest time I tried to find answers to ease the pain
Self medicating every day to eliminate the rain

I placed myself behind theses bars to lock inside my guilt
And now I find, I'm lost in time, I have begun to wilt
Many years have passed away never to be seen
I hesitate to ask myself is this just a dream

I placed myself inside this void so empty, deep, and cold.
Tortured by the memories wrapped inside my soul
And now I feel the pressure the time is closing in
I pray once more, this life to die, another to begin

These walls I placed myself behind although some years ago,
seem to crumble more each day some light begins to show
The pain that dwelt so deep within will rise and dissipate
The rain that poured will be no more now that I'm awake.

These bars I placed myself behind have now begun to rust
No longer caged by fits of rage a lesson learned in trust
As for the years that came and went unnoticed and unseen
I find myself looking forward, no more the impossible dream

This void I placed myself within it too has begun to fill
My soul refreshed anew a strengthening of my will
As I soar above the clouds no more lost in time
I thank you Lord for now I know I'm alive and doing fine.