6/21/2003

It was
a silent crime
of gestures
well rehearsed
so each
of the four
conspirators
understood the others
without a word
being spoken.
Not
a crime against nature
they knew
if caught
the cost
would be
swift
and final.
They
appeared to be
shadows
using tools
that made no sound
but when
they had finished
their work
the small steel door
was open wide
and
the bag of gems
inside
was theirs
for the taking.
Having what
they came for
they left everything
as they found it
except
of course
for
the handful of
something precious
which now belonged
to those
who had
no intention of
bragging about
what
they had done
making quiet
but effective use
of the freedom
they had won.
They went
their separate ways
keeping in touch
through the years
until
only one was left
to remember
and celebrate
the good friends
with whom
she had dared
to take
what
in the end
was theirs.