The Soldiers found rocks

and a sleeping man

chained to engine blocks.

He’ll run off, the uncle sighed.

What would you suggest?

He used to swear, piss

in the house, growl at the guests.

He’s slipped off ropes, smashed

bedrooms where he slept.

We built a hut, collared his neck . . .

Startled awake, he leapt

at the Soldiers. Anchored chain

yanked him back. He fell

and whimpered. Men laughed.

Slacking links tinkled — tiny bells.