Not too long after squeezing out of the womb
encountering the first of many inferred admonitions
my proferred alms became assurances
“I’m just here to observe”
My blankness thus ingrained, designating me negligible and safe
Yes, I indivisible-ized myself
choosing residence in the shadows
abiding in my multiple sanctuaries
facilitating a minimalist social repertoire
in a life of frugal mercies
Banking facts, figures and ideas
my stockpile of interactive fuel
aided by ghostly guide dogs for the tentative and unsure
quiet reading, yes. silent viewing, okay. thinking (to myself), affirmative.
expressing feeling? danger !!! danger!!!
What about questions?
is the stone to be polished or rolled away?
as if I knew anything about either
fleshing these bones — a step too soon?
for to speak is to create a real me