my mind; a witness

it has watched with wide eyes

bulging in fright

at disease gnawing a path

through the national park of its family

until they’ve withered to bone

my mind; a witness

it has sat on the bench

put its hand on the bible

and lied with all it had

my mind; a witness

it has tiptoed ever so slightly

trepidation like lint between its toes

down the street

left right watch out for cars

it has opened its eyes

taken a shy look around

a deep shaky breath

and one heavy resolved step forward.