I wasn't too sure what genre to place this under, though I thought "People" might have been the best one. This poem is inspired by current events in Zimbabwe, and some of what friends and family have to live through daily there. Thanks for reading. ---------- "Noise In The Night" Kneeling in the shadows holding my children, Hiding from the noises outside, Distant voices coming closer - shouting, laughing, jeering, Perhaps they won't stop. Perhaps they won't find us. Alone, we wait. Fear coursing through me, How long have I lived like this? Weeks, months, years? How old I feel! Old and tired - time and fear have taken their toll. Louder now, closer, Can I bear this any longer? Will they find us? Will this night be my last? All my hopes and dreams - where are they? Outside, at my gate, banging, rattling, Sweat pours down my cheeks, my heart pounds, What of my daughters? What unspeakable things will happen to them? 'Please Lord, no,' I pray. 'Protect my daughters my Abba.' More voices - shouting, muffled talking, laced with anger, Slowly the din subsides, fading into the darkness. Stillness steals over me, silence fills the night. 'Thank you, Father, thank you!' Then a voice pierces the night, shattering the stillness, My body freezes, my heart seems to stop for an eternity. 'Madam, they have gone now. I told them no-one was here.' Terror subsides and relief floods though me - all I can do is cry. 'Thank you, Agnes, thank you, Agnes.' It seems so little to say. How long have I lived like this?