"Time stood motionless..."

Time stood motionless, aware

of the wrong that had transpired.

As she crossed the city square,

nothing was as it was prior.

No more torches in the air,

no black helmets, screeching tires,

just the cool breeze in her hair,

and the sunset’s dying fire.

Prayers always end in silence.

In this silence - consolation

that the act of senseless violence

is so brief in its duration.

Just the flutter of her eyelids

and above her – constellations

opened up like vibrant violets

at the moment of creation.