because i am not danger...

i stretch myself on a patch of sunlight.

the lizards watch me, their bellies full.

they mock me and my opposable thumbs.

because i am not danger, they do not fear me.

i could tell them of all the things i've done

the hurt i've caused, the wars i carry

and every word i ever said that cut too deep

they nod their heads and wink, amused.

because i am not danger, they do not see me.

i could show them scars and bruises,

raised eyebrows, fights forgotten

i could show them how my screams break glass

and the shards alone could kill them

i could pretend to be the assassin

i could point to the place i buried my dead

and say, "i will harm you today"

but what would be the point?

for lizards do what lizards know

they scratch themselves and turn away

and because i am not danger, they do not love me.