I think I was twelve,

I know I was,

but perhaps I try to forget.

I know I wanted

some explanation, a discussion,

a civil acceptance.

We were children

we didn’t need to understand

only live our quiet, innocent lives

without knowing discretion.

Please let me explain

while you summon your …

benevolent attitude.

When once we might play outside

as children often do,

today I could not walk away,

without fearing you.

I suppose you might believe I was afraid of them,

but that was confusion,

that moment of indescretion,

when it was you

that explained so emphatically,

your views.

That was the moment I began

finding fear,

never completely accepting

how close to me,

your philosophy,

your affinity with the masses

of perpetual ignorance,

your insidious posture

revealing its ugliness

remained.