Depths Public Security, sad expression tears, cheek, weak, weary steps

Slowly they came forward, just a few at a time,

Four or five for their imaginary crime;

Sad their expression, with tears on their cheek,

Weary their steps, they came fearful and weak.

Handcuffed they came with a lock on each hand,

In this era of freedom like slaves this poor band.

Injustice and suffering and vile servitude,

Dishonor and squalor for this miserable brood.

In underground darkness with no light about

Oppression, not justice, is bleakly doled out.

Oh, would that some walked in some palace to show

Their beauty and charm under stage-lighting glow.

But here in this dungeon deep underground,

In wartime emergency hastily found,

Mingle both innocent and monsters of crime,

Mixture of races come here at one time.

In gloom and grime and in fetters they wait

In hopes of decision concerning their fate.

Most of these people so sadly bereft,

No wrong have committed, no murder or theft.

There are callous employers who should be in their place,

Who exploited this helpless and ignorant race.

Long days did I pass in this underground maze

Helping a poor honest wretch who knew not the government ways;

A whole week he had passed lost in this sordid domain

Victim of laws that long under dust did remain.

Red tape in abundance, officials worn out by routine,

No new effort, no courage, just chaos here everywhere seen.

The wolf and the lamb of the fable, the story is ever the same,

No protest can serve, the victim alone is to blame.

Poor public, in Lebanon no rights you have sure,

There is nothing to do, in limbo they sleep evermore.

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