when fear cracks it screams
fights
thrashes wildly

it rips open with the sounds of
naked chaos
the earth splits, moans
tells you in stinking whisper
how small
you are

it beats against door
it threatens
and rages

finally begs
you to just
SHUT UP AND SIT DOWN
WHY CAN’T YOU TAKE IT TAKE IT TAKE IT

when fear is dying
it whimpers softly

and then you can see the way
it invites
contempt

makes evident its fragile shell

its last whisper is
you are alone you are alone you are alone

and then

you are alone

with the corpse of fear

wear a red dress to the funeral