~In response to the Texas Uvalde shooting.
There is this feeling rocking the world
I cut my hands on its intangibility
Feel its cold roots snake into my stomach and
Plant unwelcome seeds.
We would turn our skin to iridescent shell
If it meant protection against sting.
We would give up on living
If it meant we could retreat into our own
Armored shadow whenever sunlight cut lead.
Give me the courage to strengthen in the face of agony
Face the world with the tools of the present in my hands
Do not make me fight for myself to fight for you
Never tell me to back down.