The Eater of Feet
Having worked in areas where landmines had been laid, I became aware of how devastating they are and how they can lie in wait for years.
I’m the eater of feet,I dine on strong limbs.I crave a red harvest,my reaping is grim.I rest under sandwhere wild scorpions roamand wait …….for footstepsthat surely will come. If you think you knowwhere I hide, you’re wrong,for I lie so, so softly……Blind feet trudge along.Closer, come closer,you’re mine for the taking.Step on me lightly,I’ll leave your soul aching. A soldier, a shepherd,an innocent child,give flesh, bones and tearsto water this field.These parched sands of misery,this ground of bleak dreams.where the deep desert stillnessis not as it seems. And the only sound heardis the desert wind’s moan.Whirling dust-devil swirlsthat rattle and groan.Like a banshee it wailsfrom stony grey hillsand wheedles me, needles me“ Why don’t you kill?” So come closer, good mother,see these seeds for the taking?Make a meal for your family,some bread for your baking.Your children are hungry,but in truth, so am I.So just step this waylet me take a large bite of your foot, your leg,maybe even an arm.Then I’ll leave you alonefor I’m spent,Yes, …………. I’m done.The smoke, dust and din clears,the shaitan wind screamso’er this ground of pure misery,this field of bleak dreams. ©Sadiechild 2018