we were before time was drawn into a line
became shadow across the ground
became something to use as a measure of worth
became something the good do not waste or squander
we were before image became cloaked in symbol
carved across the face of stone
became something more profound than imagination
became something to adhere to with adulation, without respect
we were before the word
the word, one small sound
the word written, an even tinier transient imprint
found amongst numerous other tracks
upon the banks of the river called life
we are forgotten
for most of our being has been shaped
by those who seek memory, spirit, voice
in the word
in the word
as they have written it
those who in the end do not know
who they are
