The tree that falls

comes crashing to the ground

in a symphony

of pain and discord

yet it is asked

if the sound is real

if it exists

should no human be present

and so it is

for all of the unheard

on the fringes

offbeat

setting off on their own journey

set to the margins

by those who will not listen

mocked and diminished

at the moment they speak up

voices unheard

will continue to sing

a song of strength

to bring the ceiling down

and start over again – Caroline A. Slee