Each word, each act, each memory requires recording

at the instant spoken, acted or remembered, including

a tone of voice, contextualization of events, and editorial

asides deemed worthy of remark to spur history’s dialog.

Details from savvy observers can strangle propaganda:

peculiar conditions cited best prove the memory true.

Reports sent home must survive the authority’s rigorous sift;

“shock” and “dismay” tighten tongues of those entitled

to access; the streets of capitals flutter with dead leaves

that after cordoning will advise the press and populate

the manuscripts elucidating compromise. Built on lies?

Realpolitik? Or pusillanimous pretenders to leadership?