Soft words

Are trapped and entangled

Among themselves

When voices explode

And level the silence

–

Shaken and stalled

In the creeping barrage,

I shield them and tunnel

From the blistering light

–

My frightened words tussle 

To blare into existence,

Miles underground

Beyond the boast of thunder

–

While the powerless trade fire

At the powerful’s command,

I’m encircled in the chords

Of a once timid song