for all the ways in which I am already compromising
and have no guide, no instincts
to know how much is too much.
you could reach across all my borders,
stretch out stem to stern across me and I
would welcome you, Armageddon or no.
when was I supposed to learn these lessons?
how does it seem that all the others know?
I break cadence to ask questions,
and in those moments of bravery I am
quite stupid, full of harm and fear.
I startle you with my ready abandonment.
I startle you with my covering, groveling mouth
and low posture when I do, inevitably, crawl back.