Amelia Nicol
Warning (prompt)
Took another caution for the time against wonder
fought the conditioned frequency
asking about guidance in provincial
distrusting fierceness
this, for other voiceless masses
When the fear doesn’t silence
as if we had loud voices to begin with
quieted, complacent in friendly neighborhoods
careful warnings for cruelties
just in case, guilt can save your shame
and it’s a grace, anyway
the precautions become
wary needlessness or uneasy confrontation
spaces between the pain and fear
watched imaginary movement,
could picture anything
painted precautions in limits to paranoia
those to feel worried in cause or effect
blame concentrated or concerted frustration
a singular imaginary guarding
incurable warning defense
and says guard yourself, become more vulnerable
what could testify beyond any silence
in the horrible void: bewary beyond, but never show
in precaution to oneself alone, possessive
supposed strength or could have thought it was protection
in strange devices or unkempt ferocity
forgotten to the humane
what strange bravery would
ask for more vulnerability?