I Got Burned.
This man knocked over my refreshing drink.
I said what are you doing you drunken punk.
Then he looked at me, pure anger seething.
Out of nowhere, he started angrily swinging.
I stood slowly shaking and slightly swaying.
The man’s arms continued furiously flaying.
I told the punk to back off and just let me be.
Then i started hitting him hard, continuously.
He went crashing down on the stoney ground.
Head hitting the floor with a thumping sound.
An anxious crowd started to gather all around.
On the ground, pool of pouring blood is found.
The policeman came and cuffed my old hands.
Read me my writes like I am already guilty man.
Flashing lights accompanied me to my jail cell.
For both of us I guess it has not ended that well.
The officers just wanted a real quick confession.
Saying, its 2nd degree murder without any question.
He laughed when I said it was pure self-defence.
I waited to see the judge, to plead my innocence.
The elderly judge looked a little more concerned.
I explained all my reasons why I should not burn.
You have with your bare hands you killed a man.
Only appropriate sentence can be passed down.
Policeman smiles, a judge passes the sentence.
The joy in his eyes there’s no hiding no pretence.
Judge requested will the defendant please rise.
In my head I have begun my preparations to die.
You have killed a man and there can be defence.
My only choice is to pass the harshest sentence.
In the name of the law in which we must protect.
For murder I hereby issue sentence you to death.
The Priest visits me to try and put my soul to rest.
Asking if there is anything else I’d like to confess.
I have my favourite meal eggs, chips and bacon.
Then to the public killing room, I am slowly taken
I am strapped down real tight to the killing chair.
Fear settles in when they shave parts of my hair.
Leads, electrodes and wires placed everywhere.
While the audience just sat and gleefully stared.
I was asked if I had anything left, I wished to say.
I said you are killing an old innocent man today.
I was unlucky that trouble man crossed my way.
According to you and the judges now I must pay.
I could sense when the levers were pulled down.
I could feel the electric running through my skin.
I could smell my burning skin as I started to die.
Eyes closed; I said a prayer as I said my goodbye.
Oh Lord I got burned.
Oh lord burn some more
Oh Lord I told no lies.
Oh Lord I got burned until I fried.
Tobani October (2024).