The thoughtless
resilience
of young minds
drives home
the villain’s
dagger,
perforating
the space
between
arteries
like an awl
grinning
through
leather.

(Remember when she said
you were “lovely” and
meant “convenient.”)

You cannot win this fight.

This meager artillery
has betrayed you
yet again–next time,
assure yourself
of ample ammunition.

Your strength lies
in lines of demarcation.

Each frontier,
each horizon,
each extremity
holds the promise
of gaining

higher ground.