You claimed to liberate
hostages, to conduct
the largest rescue
operation in history.
In other countries
people robbed
of freedoms,
rescued,
are treated
by doctors, then
sent home
to be greeted
usually by feisty
and jubilant
crowds. They are
welcomed as heroes.
Here, 100 Tamils
share one latrine,
women don´t eat
so they will not
defecate until night
covers them
squatting in bush by
the perimeter fence
conquering fear
of snakes. Here boys
and girls are picked
up by goon squads
who roam camps
demanding bribes
for teenagers they
choose to leave alone
for now.
Part of the Writers Under Siege collection on Groundviews. For more information, click here.