Day 25

walking home

phone in my hand

keys in my hand,

grasped firm like jagged knuckles

I am only afraid of the dark when

others walk next to me

across from me

near me.

Walking home

the night feels so peaceful until you approach

on your bike,

by foot,

who is in that car?

walking home

The street light is burnt out

I never have my headphones in

at night

walking home

I know logically that your maleness

does not make your predator.

I know emotionally I am

filled with unbridled fear

phone in my hand

keys in my hand

I don’t want to unconsciously judge your presence

but I have been raised to feel fear.

I do not want to

ruin a beautiful sky like tonight

with this anxiety

walking home.

guard up

phone in my hand

keys in my hand

walking home.

I feel safer when I feel like

I’m really alone.