The story demands
and the words flow
though each conversation
I speak to myself
a voice ringing out
into a darkness
that muffles and drowns
every sound

But the story
sounds a drum beat
whether anyone hears it
the words sing themselves
from heights
onto deaf ears
and faces
that turn away

The story
continues at your back
it dogs your heels
while you retreat
and I breathe it
whether you listen
or no ~ Caroline A. Slee