022-05

Less fang
More form
More hand
On the private fire

A little pepper, yes
But not so much
That everything burns

I am allowed
To defend myself
Without eating everyone alive

I am allowed
To push back
Without turning rage
Into a climate

Governed force
Not against everything
Only as much
As truth requires

Governed force
Not against you
Only enough
So I do not go under

Not every pressure
Needs my hardness
Not every tension
Needs my face

I can hear it
I can feel it
And still
I do not have to become it

A sheep is not stupid
Gentle is not blind
This is not surrender
This is governed force

The wolf is quick
He wants to answer
Scratch
Press back
Take the room

But I am not here
To feed that wretched law
Again
And again

I know the teeth
I know the pull
I know the heat
Before it comes up the throat

Governed force
Not weakness
Not a bite by reflex
Not softness from fear

Held back
Held clear
Held in measure
That is strength too