Earth Cries--By Paul Callus--Malta

Earth Cries (Villanelle)

My pulse is weak; it flutters while I plead

for air to give my lungs a chance to breathe.

Abuse must stop, or soon my heart will bleed.

My virgin flesh despoiled and robbed for greed,

in pain I cringe and hide my face in shame.

My pulse is weak; it flutters while I plead.

Entwined in thorns, I’m begging to be freed.

My lips are dry; they beg for kiss of life.

Abuse must stop, or soon my heart will bleed.

Shivering limbs, unwilling to concede

defeat, as vibrant echoes numb the mind.

My pulse is weak; it flutters while I plead.

Mankind is blind, appears to take no heed.

The soul is lost and time is running out.

Abuse must stop, or soon my heart will bleed.

On verge of suffocation, I’m in need

of love and hope to sprout from hidden seed.                       

My pulse is weak; it flutters while I plead.

Abuse must stop, or soon my heart will bleed.

Paul Callus is a Maltese author who writes both in Maltese and English. He has contributed to several anthologies. Apart from poetry he writes lyrics for songs and has published two books, one a story book aimed at children (related to his experience as a teacher) and a historical book based on research.