“The time has come now children!
“Hurry please!”, I shout, “Make haste!”
Down the steps they all clamber
“We have little time to waste!”
“Make sure to fill your bellies!
“We’ll have no stops for hunger!”
Playful punches for the eldest
And kisses for the younger
Now onto our conveyance
Excitedly we pile
“Are you ready?!” is my query
With requisite forced smile
I avoid the rear mirror
With its joyousness displayed
My spouse’s face so stoic
No emotion is betrayed
We gather with the others
Adults sharing silent shame
In steely resignation
We start calling out his name
Awakened from his slumber
His eyes upon ours met
“Once, your lives I chose to spare
“Now make payment on your debt”
