In Those Eyes

There are tears in those eyes
Of blood. Of sweat.
Gashes whipped on their backs
Burns singing on their heels
Shackles cutting into their wrists.

Those eyes are embers
Smothered before any chance to grow.

There is fear in those eyes
Of darkness. Of death.
The shivering, crouching bodies
The grotesque, scabbed skin
Cries crawling up their throats.

Those eyes are pleas
For mercy.

There is blankness in those eyes
Of surrender. Of desolation.
Wounds choking out blood
Stillness rotting its way in
Bullets piercing their hearts.

Those eyes are beads of resignation
Waiting for the end to come.

But there are moments
With thin, blue lips 
And searing scars.
There is a spark in those eyes
A glowing flash
Of life. Of dreams.
Of hope.

A flicker - nothing more.
Trying to breathe in. To thrive.
Dying
But not dead.
Not just yet.

                                                              Abha, @Echo136