Fear

From the day, you're born you're told,

a stranger means danger.

You see a man up ahead walking towards you.

You feel your heart in your fingertips,

when he looks at you.

This may be the day. 

This might be the man.

The one your mother warned you about.

The one the news warned you about. 

The heat spreads to your whole body.

You clutch to the knife in your pocket. 

"This might save your life one day"

Your father's words echo through your mind.

Fear.

You can't hear anything.

You can't see anything,

except the pavement in front of you.

He's getting closer.

You can almost hear him breathe.

You glance up only to memorize his face.

He's staring at you.

He's grinning.

He said something.

He passed you.

You're okay.

Breathe.

You're safe.

You can see another man walking towards you a few blocks ahead.

Start at the beginning.

A stranger means danger.

You can feel your heart in your fingertips,

when he looks at you.

This may be the day.

This might be the man.

The one your mother warned you about.

The heat spreads to your whole body.

You clutch to the knife in your pocket.

He turned the corner.

You're okay.

Breathe.

You're safe.

There's another man.

Start over.

A stranger means danger.

You can feel your heart in your fingertips,

When he looks at you.

This is fear.

The feeling of strangers,

Of men.