An Intrinsic Exquisite

a variety of

subterfuge

 

I hate
admitting
how fragile

I am
I hate

acknowledging

that there is only
this very fine silver thread

finer than my far too fine hair
holding me here

there is something shameful
in this aspect of my femininity
because it supposes the need
for a protector

and yet I am never willing to bargain
away all that a protector asks of me

in exchange
for their protection

so I use a variety of subterfuge

to keep my terrors at bay