she sits
on the mountainside
she’s been there
more years
than most
can count
her beauty
and kindness
radiate
like a desert flower
still growing
in the harsh
sahara sun
loved ones
have long ago
made the journey
to heaven
some entered
the next level freely
of old age
others were swept up
by the anger
of tyrants
and now
she watches
as children
once held
in her arms
storm the barricades
hoping to taste
the sweet waters
of the oasis
of freedom
but
she knows
many shall not
break through
and their ashes
will join
with the sands
of others
and their voices
will wail
with the winds
in the night