i’ve put my head in a box
to carry around
and take out when I need it
safe, under my arm,
my head in my box
thinks about dangers
heads are exposed to
out in the open
the box creates its own noise,
dims the lights,
softens the jangle,
makes my days less harsh,
easier to take or leave
i hear what you say
but many times
music fills the box
images flicker,
a new show every minute
that’s about what
i’ve accomplished so far–
a warm, secure container
beyond which cruel emotion
washes against other shores
i get no safer
than when i’m not me
i suppose that’s quite enough
