Akra the Slave

"Akra the Slave" by Wilfrid Wilson Gibson, is a powerful poem that explores a young man's journey through enslavement in ancient Babylon. Akra, stolen from his mountain home and family, is forced into bondage after witnessing the murder of his father. Throughout his captivity, Akra battles to hold onto his identity by turning to art, fueled by memories of a queen whose beauty haunts him. Although he makes a life for himself as an artisan, his heart remains with his lost home, mirroring the glory and decline of Babylon itself. The poem follows Akra's path as he faces the challenges of his enslavement, clings to his memories, and prepares to meet his fate with his spirit unbroken. Even in the face of death, Akra's creative spirit shines, demonstrating his resilience and the enduring power of the human search for beauty and purpose.