A Voice in the Forest – A warning for the Days to Come
Across earth, in silence, Sentinels wait — out in the cosmos, deep within an embryonic wilderness, a voice whispers: ‘Wake up, it is time.’
Bréon RydellTHE SENTINELS
Guardians of memory vision and voice
Sentinels guard the quiet truths.
They carry songs through fire.
They keep watch at the edge of the known.
Protecting what is sacred, fragile, and unfinished.
My poem was originaly published in June 2018 as the Epilogue to the book by photographer, Jimmy Nelson, entitled ‘Homage to Humanity,’ Rizzoli, NYC. Here is a segment of the first stanza
“Across the vast plains, sentinels stand, honouring their ancient history, watching over their loved ones, and their sacred lands
Weep not for me the fragments of my bones
Weep not for the masses lost in the twilight of their sorrow … “
© 2018-2025 Bréon Rydell
THE WARNING SIGNS – THE RISING TIDE
The RISE of EXTREMISM today is not occurring in isolation. It is part of a broader pattern – a backlash against pluralism, memory, multi-culturism, historical landmark achievements, truth, and even beauty. All this is happening at a time when many people are exhausted, frightened , distracted or lulled into complacency by the challenges of survival.
The role of my artistic work, poetic, defiant – is intended not as decoration, but as a vital RESISTANCE aimed at combating the destructive forces facing society.
Erosion of Truth and Memory
Extremism thrives on false narratives. It seeks to erase inconvenient truths—whether historical atrocities, democratic ideals, or human rights. When storytellers, artists, and cultural voices are silenced or ignored, a vacuum is created—one filled by propaganda.
Normalization of Violence and Division
As hateful ideologies gain ground, the line between public discourse and incitement blurs. Violence is no longer the fringe—it becomes policy, law, performance. Minorities, dissenters, artists, and thinkers become targets.
Decay of Democratic Foundations
Democratic systems don’t just fail overnight—they erode when enough people stop caring. The greatest danger is indifference. When fear or cynicism overtakes hope and engagement, the system collapses from within.
LOVE AND PROTECTION – IN DEFENCE OF WHAT IS PRECIOUS
Truth, memory, children, the land, the soul, and the ethereal. My vision arises not from fear of the enemy, but from love of what might be lost.
This is an invitation for people to reflect, to listen differently, to reawaken their own intuitions.
Prejudice is a burden that confuses the past, threatens the future and renders the present inaccessible.
Maya Angelou, American poet, (1928-2014).