Watchers at the Periphery

They stand there At the edge

Looking in, then over. Trying not to make eye contact:

Bow head -

Take a peek.

Out of focus.

Like trying to see an image

Within the rippling reflections on a pond -

Always lacking clarity.

Undulating mini waves

Is that?

Maybe.

No...

I cannot grasp who they are

These people who stand

And stare.

Large muscular person: must be...male? Feminine shape swaying Can it be?

Perhaps...

Muted tones form clothing. Wavelets blending together

Figures Who have come to watch

From afar,

From across the pond - Waving

But not shouting

Not even whispering.

or nodding.

"We are here to support you."

This bond of humanity

is linked only through molecules of water as a small ripplet

Seems to stretch its way

towards me.

I stand tall

Yet feel so small

And broken

On my little patch of rough ground.

Shoulders touching a sister survivor

She leans in

and whispers, "They fear us."

I do not yet understand Why someone

Whom we know

Or thought we knew

Could stand

And stare

And say...

Nothing.

A breeze blows

Then stills

The water ripples

Then silences.

I see

In that split moment - And

I have

Clarity.

But why?

Why do you stand on the periphery? Why do you choose not to shout?

Not to speak?

Not to even whisper?

I apply "fear"

And begin to comprehend.

I pick up the pebble

That lies under my big toe

And flick it

Into your rippling reflections Which seem to flinch

As the wee bullet pierces and Wavelets crash

In concentric circles.

Marring what once was My perception of you.

---

Thank you, Linda, for suggesting a title that is better fitting.

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