time, fashion and rulers
march on, change and die
held back, worn stone
keeping secrets in shadows
blood, washes away
bodies given burial
yet the flag and cobble remains
worn, scratched, chipped
by boot, blade, spear and dagger
a mute spectator to
human brutality and compassion alike
to know their language
is to know us

Picture and Poem (c) 2015 by DC Lessoway