Raphael Shonibare

How Will I Die?

How will I die?

In war, in peace, or in a lie

I squeal from the pain that I hide

In the ears of my soul, I confide

As I lay, I toss and turn from side to side

Pillow soaked with the tears from my eyes

I hear a whisper in my ear, and I sigh

The voice of death calling time on my high

I stand with great fear, I don’t deny

If I must live to see the light, must seize the night

As morning creeps in again, I wonder when

My troubled world might return to haunt again.


© Raphael Shonibare, 2019