Dark Wood, Dark Skin

It floats among the sea

on steady tides so free.

As if on a whale it rides,

and the winds begin a song.

Inch by inch they come,

as if lost in time.

It's body smells of rum,

and metal rings like a chime.

Like the silk dress of a fine woman,

does it's massive veil flutter.

Upon it's beauty lies a man,

that speaks not a word but a mutter.

Dark his skin be,

as if the sun has singed it.

Strength is seen from his body,

but pain is seen from his face.

His eyes wish to be free,

and his heart is in the bottom of a pit.

upon him stood a white body,

and upon his hand a mace.

rough ropes hold the dark man's hands

covered in mud and blood.

He gets nothing but the chatter of cans,

before he's forced into the flood.

Among the sea he floats,

on steady tides so free.

As if on a whale he rides,

and at last he is free.