Fear


the fear must have got in when we were sleeping

and then it was like a bird in the house or a bee

which goes to the wrong window every time

and explores the glass ad nauseum

anyway it would not leave and

became increasingly deft

at avoiding capture.


Sometimes it beats on the back of my chest

and I hear the labored breathing

head pressed to the wall

listening,

Sometimes it squeezes like a constrictor snake

invisible to the naked eye but still there

like air or scent or thought or taste

slowly making a meal from

surrender


As time passes we have learned to accommodate

the guest who came to stay, and I have to say

fear loses some effect when familiarity

breeds contempt and the cupboard

is bare




Posted: Sat - June 21, 2008 at 02:33 PM