Grief Poured Down

 GRIEF POURED DOWN

Grief poured down on the people

            Like a relentless waterfall.

The Emperor had chosen them,

            On a careless, passing, whim,

To suffer his latest atrocity.

            ***************

The people had committed no crime.

            They kept silent and worked hard.

It was just their time.

            Perhaps, on another day,

If he had not passed their way,

            They might have lived another day.

But, today, they had to pay.