I can see the clenched fist just waiting to spring free
in the tightness of your jaw. This anger of yours,
so tangible in the air, has always scared me.
     Did you know?
I would rather suffer nothing by walking away
that deal with all of this. All of you.
I would feel safer doing that.
     But did you know?
I would rather suffer a blow than let you
walk away with the fist hiding in the curve of your mouth,
with the barely held back fury pouring out of your eyes.

If I do nothing, it solves nothing.
That’s why I risk it all and stand still before you.