THE RUMBLE IN THE JUNGLE OF IMPIETY
By Raymond C Bramford
I heard them first
Noises from a darkened alley
That could only be the product of knuckle on cheek and boot on rib
Each rhythmic thump had an uncomplimentary counter beat
of muffled pain and injury
I dared to look into the ring and I recognised the assailants
as three of the Kübler brothers; Denial, Anger and Depression
Crushed and battered at their hands and feet lay Grace
Bloodied and winded barely recognisable beneath the bruises and
swelling save for a cracked lipped smile
"Submit" the brothers screamed in unison "Submit and leave us be"
But Grace just smiled that broken smile and through the sanguine foam
that strained through cracked teeth she uttered
"I cannot. I will not. You confuse me with righteousness"