PART I
In the practice of proprioception
I am like a bat using echo
to determine location.
Sixth sense antenna
to ensure that I bounce lovingly
around the anathema
of divisive society.
Looking for signals.
Calibrating empathy gauges.
Moving in response
and dependent on cues
from the pages
of nuance.
So what happens if the space is intentionally left blank?
How to reflect with no looking glass?
I turn the flashlight inward
away from echo chambers
and the dim-lit caverns of white stalagtytes
and tune in
to internal sounds…
The crash of centuries of persecution
slamming against a concentration camp cage
collisions at the crossroads of countless marches
grief at every stage
and the stench of women burning
to demonstrate what’s at stake.
Life and liberty, justice and a basic wage
are the cause of violent clashes
to express a long oppressed rage.
Then, like a horse trained for gamblers
released from the gate,
a slew of programmed responses arise
and spit out like paper from a printing plate:
Spit spit spit, sift sift sift, spit spit spit, sift sift sift,
leaving a shit pile to arbitrate
and so I gather new supplies.
PART II
When seeking tools
with which to tackle
this moment
I realize a cruel lack of equipment.
After a spell
and some cognitive play
the tension gives way
releasing into research.
Here is what I found today:
Six instructions
of what to do
in an avalanche:
Move to the side
Grab something sturdy
Swim
Hold one arm up
Create room to breathe
Stay calm
This is a balm
for any onslaught
and so I shift
to a softer plot
and raise my fist
from an empty spot.
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