A film celebrating
The greatness of a Nation
Patriotism its theme
Sacrifice its Core

A Cinema hall
Name translates as Gift
The hall playing the film
Would soon become a Coffin

Lives of many
Ended before they started
Kids on the aisles
Engulfed by the flames

Arrogance of power
That money can buy
Negligence of repair
Transformers unleashed their power

Smoke spreading across
Car parks and gates
Fire  keeping it's date
In all its rage

Hell brakes loose
All for a fuse
Stairwell and Ariel
Sounded the deathknell

Running towards the exit
Emergency lights not fixed
Chaos and confusion
People already dying of asphyxiation

Fire alarm not installed
Authorities knew it all
Even the Projection not stalled
Seating arrangements breaking the law

Box seats gates closed
Exit gates bolted
A careless employee
Took a break by bolting the middle gate

Deviations and violations
Fire service delayed
Gangways failed to accommodate
Balcony seemed far away

Exposed to carbon monoxide
Succumbed and died
Toll stood at 59
Injured crossed a hundred

A full house
Turned many into empty homes
Tragedy cover up with travesty
Ticket price  not just a life

Friday the 13 th
7 th month of 1997
Set the record for the ticket prize
A life for a seat