One Strike Of A Match

• Eoghan Kuiper, Grade 12
• Poetry
• 2022

‘Twas Julio Gonzalez from Gundagai, who burnt the houses down;
Of the unfortunate men and women, who lived within his town.
He would prowl around the back of streets, hunting for his prey;
With jet black clothes and a box of matches – nothing got in his way.

On the night of Christmas eve, he dreamt of a masterplan;
To burn down the holy church, and gain supreme command.
For he loathed those churchgoers, and their sanctimonious ways;
He longed to get rid of them, and create uttermost dismay.

So he set off that day, on a mission to seek contentment;
For those years of being tyrannised, had caused him much resentment.
He had forever been a victim of hatred, by those who he acquainted;
And by family, friends and fraternities, he was only ever berated.

In the pitch black of night, as the churchgoers began to leave;
He drew a single wooden match, from a box under his sleeve.
‘I shall end this today.’ he muttered, in a low and husky voice;
And with one strike of a match, he slowly began to rejoice.