I was buried in the corner of a packed elevator today
when I lost my breath at the realization
that I was the only woman aboard.
Inspecting the men near me
imagined capable malice.
Calculating their weight
versus mine,
and the imposed ratio
of those who would help
to those who would walk away
if my vulnerability turned to danger
here in this elevator.
In that moment I knew
                                               
       
    ­                                                                 ­       *I’m not okay.