De-escalation is key. Lower
your voice. Crouch
down. Slow your body,
though your heart
might pound and if you tense
he’ll feel it. Be calm.
Listen! He screams,
You don’t listen to me!
Stare at the gaping maw
the screaming teeth. Feel
nothing. I thought, he gulps
I thought you said…
But I didn’t say, I want
to say, but don’t–
to de-escalate.
I thought you said
it’s for me. I want
it to be mine.
And I want to give him
what is mine
to swerve the storm
to escape.
No, I say. Walk--
slowly, slowly
--to not escalate.
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