Louisiana Rain--By Colleen Keller Breuning--United States

Louisiana Rain

Standing by the river dock
shivering, cold, and alone
prepare to be boarded on barges
the final destination unknown.

Scars crisscross ebony backs
pain and cruelty take a toll
on display in auction shacks
sell the lot and sell your soul.

Bend your knees and bow your head
as metal bites ankles and wrists
sun beats down in fields of cotton
stomach churning, eyes a-mist

Rage and fear pierce the heart
emotions raging like a hurricane
just another day in bondage
awash in the Louisiana rain.

Colleen Keller Breuning is a poet and photographer who was born and raised in Maryland. She currently resides in Purcellville, Virginia. Her poetry, short stories and photography have been published in a variety of print and online magazines during the past decade. Her first poetry book, Shadows of My Father, was a tribute to her father and published in 2011. She is currently working on her second book of poetry, along with assorted photography projects. She participates in several online writing groups. In addition to poetry and photography, she loves nature, music, cats and wine (not necessarily in that order).