“Remember”

Big City.
Bright Lights.
Dark Streets.

Head up.
Heels clicking.
Keep walking.

Eyes straight ahead.
No fear.
No emotion.

Look strong.
Look independent.
Look fearless.
But how?

These are all the things I have to remember.

Should I talk?
Should I run?
Should I fight?

These are all the questions I ask myself.

Wincing as looming figures pass by.
Loud.
Obnoxious.
Threatening.

Their demeanour instilling fear in my isolated self.
Making my bones shake.
My teeth chatter.
My skin chill.

These are the horrible things they make me feel.

“Who knows?”
That’s what they say nowadays.
For it is not those who pass by but “they”
They who shout:
“Danger!”
Is the danger real?
Is the fear real?

And I wonder
“Will there ever be a time I can walk peacefully?”

But for now…
These are the things I have to remember.