red light

and theater seating

the setting we're used to

a continent away from carrying my laptop around

me at all times to feel safe

in the bathroom

after I have just taken a shower and there is mist

It's getting harder to believe we're still here

There is always a plan

There is always an escape plan posted and checked by an officer

there is another store where a little boy buys his belt

He is afraid of getting fat

and throws the word like sand onto the others

who freeze by accident

I do not understand how some people are not afraid

how some children are not afraid

how her presence can silence me

The dirt between his fingernails as he picks at his carrot

I saw the child stop,

open the screen door himself

apologize

There is no hard shell around a child's hands

no waiting

always

young blood can see four petals equal a flower

and after the salute of the visitor

when I finally have time to answer

no one is angry

no one is crying

the sadness of one half of a butterfly is noted

and no one can forget