Escape Poem by D A Phinney

I screamed, shook free, and ran through steel caves;
I ran through steel hallways never used.
They caught me at the water; guns were raised,
But I escaped and swam to hidden coves.
I crawled onto the beach; the rocks were fused,
So was the sand. And then my eyes were closed.
I woke to hear the sound of sirens shrilly
Piercing through the red fog to accuse,
Although I knew the accusation fully,
Me of a crime I did not recognize.
Again I slept, and dreamt of ancient signs
Directing thousands on their chosen routes.
I dreamt of strange machines which issued tunes,
And blaring noises, flashing, blinking lights.
My mind soon focused, sharpened, visualized
A city: splendorous, proud it stood, and shone
Bejeweled mockery of all the Shrine
Of Man could have been had he but not dozed.
I saw the city burn out like a light,
Disintegrate, and die in burning snow.
A ragged shepherd tugged upon my coat,
Slipped to my leg, and then began to cry.
I woke up then; my leg hurt even worse
Than when I had escaped my bondage bleak.
I tried to leave the beach, for I heard work
And preparation to restore the peace.
They came the next day, mumbling in the fog,
And brought me back within the camp I loathe.
Tomorrow, when they've cured my burning leg,
I'll put my application in for death.