Leaving

to all those we’ve created together
we’ve broken some lines into dots
we’ve lost some to distance and growth.

if an expected wave is shy of the ocean
and pain from within is worn as smiles
acts of service as words of affirmation
becomes chlorophyll for hope, for faith

I lay flat to sleep because I trust my back
it’s hard if I have to look over my shoulders.
not owning up won the war against Alimi
silence is consent; silence is atrocious.

we are destined to be a better story
Timon, Pumba; Rock, Hart; Chris, Greg
but if empathy becomes a heavy burden
how do we justify the footprints behind us?

Tomide Abdul