silence

a new moon
silent over tree tops
dry winds blowing
through my heart

i am afraid

above the silence
of the deep night
the crickets chant
their mantras

i hear
the sound of city
rolling like thunder
and i am afraid
for my children

children sleep
at peace
for the moment
they do not understand
my heart 's pain
losing little phi-phi to the river
last year

sister chea weeps
quietly inside
nothing written
on her face
i know
for her eyes speak
the hidden pain
losing a child

we share tears
in the silence
where no one hears
our heartbreak

and i am afraid