I was taught not long ago

To shield myself from praise,

From every stray word of kindness

Shot carelessly in the breeze

–

Taught to make myself small

By both predator and prey

In their feral circles

Of victims and victors

–

Taught to pave my own space

But not far from the fire,

Where a nation survives

For outlaws and exiles

–

Taught the art of distrust

By every overheard whisper

By every crushing embrace

By every friend’s waning presence