I saw mothers run,
Pursued by their sons
Lusting for blood
For a billion dollars
Per killing
I saw families
Huddled
By a flickering fire;
The only remains
Of their home,
Their depleted family,
Their life
I saw a blind infant
Eyes gauged out;
Collateral for killing
Her traitoress mother
Who dared plead
Her condition.

And I saw images of
Of eyes wide open
Mouths agape
In askance:
Unanswered questions
From the dead.

And I heard
Political condemnations,
Much wringing of
Blood-stained
SADC hands
And sanctimonious
African Union protestations.

And
When the moon paled
I stared down the
Tunnel of despair
And heard the deep silence
Of loneliness.