Have you ever known the air in your hair

or the touch of harm?

Have you ever known the wisp of breath

or heat of the sun?

Do you know the middle place of heat to cold

or the prayer not to get too old?

Do you know the wish for peace in a world

lost to war?

lost to ego

lost to pay

lost to the amenities to get through the day

They are lost in their own minds

They are focused on their own grind

They don’t even see you

not me

not see

no fear no feelings

fight or flight is dumbed down

muted

no running

sitting duck, ready to be rocked

ready to be obliterated

ready to fall

down below

where no one knows

the air, touch, wisp, or heat

where no pain, feels, or emotions seep

there is nothing, all new

I’ve known this hell. I’ve thrived there.

Have you?

©C. O’Connor, 2016