My ears awaken to the crashings of the waves.

My exhausted body steadies itself against the rockings of the ship.

My wrists and ankles ache
from shackles forever worn.

My eyes adjust to the darkness
as the light in my heart continues its illumination.

My nostrils burn from the invasion
of the unavoidable stench
from this vessel, my shipmates, and myself.

I am naked,
but my mind is clothed with dreams of promised freedom.

One soul screams in terror.
Another cries out in anguish and pain,
then finds relief in death.

I hear the sobs and feel the hopelessness
of my shackled brethrens.

I struggle for sanity,
as complete darkness claims another.