I heard her faintly,
quietly sobbing
when I stood very still.
At that moment I noticed
things were not right.
The seasons are confused
and the animals are hungry,
and yet I sleep at night.
I feel knots tightening my middle
and pretend I am dreaming
so my comforts in life won't be disrupted.
Yet, somehow they are,
while I sip my morning coffee,
it tastes flavourless.

My body hungers less for food
and more for spiritual sustenance.
I go where it's noisy
to escape the guilt of knowing
her sorrow,
then back to nature to see
if she's still breathing.

About the Original
Medium: Acrylic on Paper / Image Size: 22" x 30 " / Created: August 2002
Availability: Private Collection