History all has taken place. 

The film has been exposed.

Silver gelatin has been developed.

Here printed in the photograph I hold. 

I am proof. Here I am.

I am all the proof you need.

Seamlessly now you-proof.

The discomfort is yours to bear.

Shock molds my mouth agape.

Flesh split, broken, bleeding.

Gasping air escapes me,

no longer can I breathe.

Smell lies stagnant here beside me.

Remains inflamed, awash in pain.

Memory sustains my psyche-ache.

Image burned a soundless refrain.

I am proof. Here I am.

I am all the proof you need.

Seamlessly now you-proof.

The shame is yours to bear.

No observer to see the crimson flowing. 

Drowning, no witness to the fuss.

Willful screams all left unheard.

Discharged without notice my core interred.

Don’t make a sound, don’t whisper.

Don’t make trouble there will be no reply. 

Two sides, but mine will not be believed.

In secreted silence alone I’m left to grieve.

I am proof. Here I am.

I am all the proof you need.

Seamlessly now you-proof.

The dishonor is yours to bear.

History all has taken place. 

The film has been exposed.

Silver gelatin has been developed. 

Here printed in the photograph I hold.

I Am Proof © 2017, Ann Carter Richardson, All Rights Reserved