Cages
burning in the night,
teased by waves
swallowing an empty ship.

Human shadows
flattened against bars;
   mouths open,
   eyes maddened
from flames
and the threat
   of the sea.

One sailor stayed.
   Dying with slaves
   was the last free act
of a lamented life.

His desire
to be remembered
   brought him
   to my dreams
one night.

I've not forgotten.