the gaze unmet i shy away protect my secrets via vigilance and avoidance
i have stood my ground toe to toe i have summoned my courage and done what i must
i tasted honor but i was a prisoner of my fears a convict without convictions
i bear the stripes today i show them to no one shun scrutiny evade examination
the secrecy invites suspicion censure ensues i am fear’s fugitive it stalks me still
in my lifelong flight exhausted courage has long since failed me
it lies in the past fallen by the roadside defenseless prey for wild dogs
the howling i hear is my own voice
