I knew the man

sorenbarrett

Tied, beaten, burned alive, you can kill the man but feelings still survive
Pummeled, broken, bound with wire left inside a car set afire
Numbed, shocked mind locked, brain struck, what the fuck 
All that was left bones and teeth closed casket with a black wreath
Ashes of memories stuffed in a box, only skull no more curly locks
Three confess under duress thirty years maybe less for their excess
And I sit and think how the smell of burning flesh does stink

  • Author: sorenbarrett (Offline Offline)
  • Published: March 31st, 2026 03:19
  • Category: Unclassified
  • Views: 8
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Comments +

Comments5

  • nephilim56 ( Norman Dickson)

    a powerful piece my friend enjoyed the read immensely

    • sorenbarrett

      Thank you so much Norman for the read. Learned yesterday of a neighbor of years that ended this way last week.

      • nephilim56 ( Norman Dickson)

        so sad, its a mad world

      • Lorenz

        The wingless angels falling from the skies keep the memory of the pyres alive...

        • sorenbarrett

          Thanks so much Lorenz for the review and comment we all can not be phoenix and arise from our ashes

        • arqios

          We’ve been watching reruns of Bones and yesterday’s episode just happened to be a guy stuffed into the trunk of a car. That has compounded the punch of your poem. Most touched🕊️🙏🏻

          • sorenbarrett

            Thanks so much Cryptic beauty and horror make up the world we are in. This was the dark side. I appreciate your comment my friend

          • Thomas W Case

            Raw, relentless, and unflinching—this one hits like a fist to the gut.
            The horror lingers on the page, and your voice carries the ashes of memory with grim precision.

            • sorenbarrett

              Thanks so much Thomas I appreciate your read and comment it is always most appreciated

            • Friendship

              Your writing style has undergone a notable transformation. Your story contains very dark, violent, and horrifying elements, and is both graphic and emotional. This poem grapples with the themes of violence, mortality, and the lasting impact of trauma. It explores the brutal fate of an individual—a man subjected to horrific acts of violence—while highlighting the juxtaposition between physical death and the persistence of emotional and psychological pain. Yet it revolves around the aftermath of extreme violence and the haunting memories that linger even when a person is gone. You painted a graphic picture of violence and suffering.



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