The Defector’s Gamble

The barks grew louder, closer,

Yet he pressed on, unwearied.

His heart pounded like war drums,

But he refused to stop.

The wires ahead were merciless;

No one had ever crossed unscathed.

Those who tried were either shot

Or torn apart by hounds.

He was tired of the endless oppression,

The cruel grip of a dictatorial state.

The powerful preyed on the weak,

While the poor cried week after week.

Every election promised hope,

But nothing ever changed.

As he scaled the final wire,

Determination burned like wildfire.

Only a few miles remained.

He allowed himself a fleeting smile.

Leaving the North behind,

He felt the struggle was worth it.

Every drop of sweat, every cut,

Every fearful heartbeat.

Even his pursuers paused,

Waving sarcastically at his daring.

Then he saw why so few fled

To the land beyond—

Dogs, snipers, and wires gave way

To a field riddled with landmines.

The ultimate test of resilience awaited.

His pursuers knew the danger

And watched for the inevitable explosion.

When the mines went off, they cheered,

Another defector failed, just like the rest.

It was a victory in their eyes,

Their mission fulfilled: to trap those

Who dared break the rules of their “beloved” country.

But those who later heard his tale

Recognized his courage and determination.

He had escaped the grasp of tyranny,

Carried the hopes of the desperate,

And proved that even in fear,

Some are brave enough to try.