A little tear rolls down a cheek
and settles in a ridge made from a wrinkle
Silence exists
sinister and ominous – invisible and naked
falling on deaf ears
it is rendered less valid and unworthy
trickling out between clenched teeth
and lips hinged taut
its power is in the speaking
bemused footprints
ground the carbon
fossilizing the spot
where it once trod
staring out ahead beyond the sea
attentive
resolute
seduced by a paradox unresolvable
inclusive
memory records a lost story
gnarled like the twisted
roots of the baobab tree
lush and green
visible
immoveable
voice nods in recognition
a gesture of affection
extracting hatred and fear
whispering at the edge
I pledge allegiance