Around the bend
On the usual street with the usual words
Exchanged in hushed whispers
Is anyone listening?
Across the avenue
A loud sound, or two, or eleven
Exchanged from one gentleman to the next
I fear for myself
Under the bridge
The pressure of my peers
Exchanged under the palm, between fingers
Do I dare succumb?
Beyond my window
A grouping of indifference, single file
Exchanged by words held aloft
I see familiar faces
Hear familiar voices
Feel familiar feelings
Through the city
On my way to school
Exchanging hands with Sister, tightly
I don’t feel safe here