They called your name once, twice,
thrice to keep the cord
from snapping
To call the frightened bird
of your spirit back
to its bamboo cage
I found the cloth on which those
mystical letters had been embroidered—
I know now why I may not say them
[LAG-other-response url=”https://www.vianegativa.us/2016/01/self-conscious/” title=”Via Negativa: Self-conscious”]