Why are you hiding down there?
There’s nothing out here that will hurt you
Nothing to be afraid of.
I see you breathing
It’s the only reason I noticed you
The soft rising of your chest
Or is that your back?
I really cannot tell.
Now I see you moving
Coming slowly out into the light.
Please go back.
I did not realize—
You weren’t hiding at all
Were you?
You were waiting for me to see you.
Now I see
That rising, falling
It is not your body
It is your mouth, your teeth
Breathing fear into the world
Coming closer to me

Photo by omar alnahi on Pexels