Demon Of Silence Poem by Richmon Rey Jundis

Sweat is running down from my forehead
down into the back of my head,
making my pillow and hair wet
As I grasp for air
and clutch my bed sheet,
shaking in fear.

A man, all black,
with three long horns
and two hairy tails
is keeping on visiting me at night,
Keeping my mind awake
by whispering to my ears
the loud sobbing of the poor people lying on the ground
while their bellies are growling in hunger.

'This is what you get
for not speaking the truth,
you selfish coward! '
and my muted throat cannot utter the words
that keeps on lurking behind my head
as this demon hunts me:
'It is your master,
who cursed me to remain silent,
from the wickedness he is spreading
to my beloved brothers and sisters'.

"How can he sleep so tight,
When the people of this nation
Are crying so loud at night? "
May he let us speak without fear
For these people that to my heart
Are so near and dear.
May he not let the demon of silence
To silence me through fear.