multiplicities

communities inside—
the scared, the crank
wise elder and protectors
a whole town
struggling to agree

one wants to be bold
another seeks freedom
this one needs safety
at any cost to the whole

security wins
she’s young and drowning
in fear iced with anguish—
the structure takes shape
to protect her

some hide in the undergrowth
others strike a brash pose
unruly, uneven peace

invite them to speak
encourage one at a time
ask this one to come forward
that one to step back

offer respect be clear
that you love them
they’re you, after all
tangled
doing their best

2024 ©Amrita Skye Blaine
I’m writing a poem a day. These are drafts—not final versions.