An Empty Challenge
Here! Right now! This instant!
Have I made myself clear?
You are commanded to make yourself known!
Don’t slink and slither into dark places
Or wrap yourself in finery and dare the crowd
To mock such royalty!
Declare yourself!
Where do such empty challenges arise
And make their way
Almost to my lips?
Did I say those words
Or simply form them behind my eyes,
Held in check by reason
And caution
And careful reconsideration.
So,
All bluff and bluster, I see.
It’s a poor persona
That cannot be mocked.
Pay me no heed.