If hell exists and I know it
If it’s close enough to smell
If the burning flesh is from the enemy I knew
If the screams are from friends I once adored
If they are punished, for not knowing or for doubting
If they are punished for who they were
If they are burned for their ignorance of others’ pain
If they are tortured for closing their eyes when people were burned
How can you tell me to enjoy heaven?
Not to smell their burning hearts
Close my eyes to the flames engulfing them
And ignore their shouts for mercy?
I would step out of heaven anytime
Just to be awake
And reach out my hand
Hoping to save
At least one.
.
John the Outsider
Picture Nick Victor
.