The buildings,

they quaked.

The fires,

they blazed.

And there I stood,

caught in a daze.

I could never explain

the feeling that came

as I watched my home as it was set aflame.

What harm had I done,

that raiders would come

and make my entire household succumb?

I'd heard of their plots

but never had thought

that one day, I could also be sought.

A quivering came

as I watched in shame

as the flames destroyed my name.

My livelihood sat

in the ashes, at that,

and my dreams had suddenly become flat.

The raiders had taken

when I would awaken

to the love of my life at my side.

- Brianna Cecille Blades