This I Solemnly Swear

The taste of copper shocks my body as I feel blood drip over my lips. Coughing, I force it out of my throat, red spraying the ground.

"Kote yo ye?"

I don't answer, not because it hurts to exhale the words or my throat is raw despite its recent coating of blood; I hold silence because I am defiant.

"Si ou pa di nou kote yo ye, nou pral touye ou."

I know you will, I almost say, but I remember my silence, my vow.

"Nou pral touye mari ou tou."

I know. My eyes mist over, and I try not to imagine the soldiers murdering him. Separating us was wise; they know of our love for each other; they know I am weaker without him. But I've promised. I have sworn I will never forsake my King and His kingdom, even if this defiance kills my husband--my heart, my flesh, my soul along with him.

I will survive though I wish upon wish, pray and pray, that I will die, and he will live. I fear my uselessness, my apathy, my bitterness will rise up again in me when my link to this world is shattered.

Suddenly my shackles rattle as the soldiers yank me to my feet. Knees shaking, I try to find support again the stone wall of my prison, but the soldiers swing a staff at my head, and my vision blurs. I pray that I black out, so I will not have to endure further torture for the night.

If only I were so blessed.


[English Translations]
"Where are they?"
"If you do not tell us where they are, we will kill you."
"We will kill your husband too."