I’m Safe

No trickles today 

No regrets, few fears 

The only tremors, slight as they were, the daily quivering from roots that anchor me to the rhythm of my own heartbeat

These muddy shimmers, ugly chains securing me to a cellar floor day after day 

Safe

Secure

Where I can do just enough to be, somehow, while hiding from the fierce winds that lift others high above

Those hurricanes and tornadoes can’t reach me here, down below, in the dark

Down here isn’t as bad as you may think 

Today my face is dry as I look up through the window at the distant funnels grabbing people, lifting them high above my little basement, tossing them to their success

Look, some folks jump right into them

It’s fine

I said, it’s fine

It’s nice here

I’m safe

I’m dry 

No one can get in 

It’s fine

I’m ok

I’m safe here

No, really

It’s fine

I’m fine

I can’t get out, but I’m fine

I didn’t want to be up there anyway

Right?

.

June 22 – 23, 2025