Sentinels
- Writing
- Brian Gardiner
Sentinels
By B. D. Gardiner
There she stands,
Watching over her charge with expectant failure.
No choice in this assignment.
No time to establish natural rapport.
Affection, concern, warmth, and tenderness, born from what she is.
The whole of mortal knowledge tested, refined through prior blazes, inherently yields a deleterious recollection.
Yet she stands as guardian until the final breath has dissipated throughout the atmosphere.
There he stands,
Partially ruined as the scene unfolds around him.
Screams from broken homes, friendships torn asunder, echo through the halls, memories he will never lose.
His strength is not enough.
His mind darkens in the dwindling light.
Afraid his own tears will mingle upon the floor with the discharged grief, his burden buried deep within.
Yet he stands, until all noise is cancelled out by empty space.
There, they stand,
Steeled together in silent aftermath.
Whirls of machines now ceased; failed interventions litter the ground.
Tragic stricken loved ones, specialists of care, emotional tourists, all departed.
No one, save these four.
The dance of electric life slows its cadence.
No words are offered.
Slower still.
A tender hand gracefully offers final reassuring contact.
There they stand, refusing the dancer solitude in the finale.
We stand,
Beings of our own emotion, thoughts, hopes, aspirations.
Strengthened by souls around us engaged in such endeavors.
Knowledge multiplied.
Skills passed as treasured heirlooms.
Peace in existence found in each added bond.
Laughter, YES laughter, mends the darkest wounds.
Together we learn.
Together we grow.
Together we mourn.
Together,
We stand.
- Subject Matter: Text
- Current Location: Hamilton Gallery