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“On Guard I know how to build fences. I've built my border for years. Routinely, I repair attempted entries into my space. Everyone is suspect, gray-haired women, a child's hand reaching in, people disguised as rocks, all possible invasions. Don't be deceived: I savor my isolation, my dark interior. Silence, please. Your opinions are unwelcome. Your jabber, your many tongues bore me but will never bore into my well-guarded space. All the un-me is alien. I take pride in being on guard. I'm willing to share my strategies– threats, barks, explosions– for remaining untouched –in here– by the world's garbage.” — Pat Mora
On Guard
I know how
to build fences.
I've built my border
for years.
Routinely, I repair
attempted entries
into
my space.
Everyone is suspect,
gray-haired women,
a child's hand
reaching in,
people disguised
as rocks,
all possible invasions.
Don't be deceived:
I savor
my isolation,
my dark interior.
Silence, please.
Your opinions
are unwelcome.
Your jabber,
your many tongues
bore me
but will never bore
into my well-guarded
space. All the un-me
is alien. I take pride
in being on guard.
I'm willing to share
my strategies–
threats, barks,
explosions–
for remaining untouched
–in here–
by the world's
garbage.