The elders are benevolent.

She says she would not fall.
She says she stands tall.
She saysss.She sayssss.Shesayssssss
She knows.

The funnel leaves a gaping opening at the top.
Spreads wide.

Not strong.
She falls.

The foot of the hillock.
A screaming.

The silent foots of the steps of those that crowd around the foot of the hillock.
The crowds closed feet are gathered a watching.
Looking down at those eyes of guilt.

She fell.
Silent.They
The WAS scream.
The screams aren’t.
Now Silent.
But the WAS scream of the WAS fall.
Was loud.
Was appealing for help.

They wake the elders.
The elders are benevolent.

The crowd departs.
The guilty eyes guilt no longer.
The elders are present.
They have cleansed the girl.
She lies not a-breathing. Her eyes are in her hands.
The vocal cords ripped.
She still breathes.

Hands bloodstained rubbed on the dead leaves.
Picked by the lying body.

And they leave.
Back to bed.