Wait for the Sound

stamp my feet into the dirt
a feeble mark on the earth
cast my voice into the air
i am here; is anyone?

scratch with nails into trees
it’s my name, it is not me
i am here. i am; is anyone?

now wait for the sound to return
a witness the sound can be heard
is anyone listening? is anyone with me?

slap the water, unshackled rage
all these hands make are tiny waves
but i am here. i am! is anyone?

across a canyon – between tall buildings
down a well – in this empty room
slap off the faces – streets of cement
walls of stone tell me i am

now wait for the sound to return
wait for the sound

SHANNON CURTIS