Something heavy in the air

The smoke from chimneys

Hangs low

 

Like fog over the road —

Like prayers trapped by

Unbelief –

 

They fail to lift higher

Than the rooftops

From which they were shouted

 

My eyes burn, my tears run

Something heavy in my heart

My ears catch a sound

 

Whispers distant and pleading

Repeat a prayer

Without ceasing

 

A collective sigh

Ripples in ever widening circles

Washing up against our shore

 

 

 

Diane E. Dockum

©2016