SURVIVIAL

You hear a scratching sound beneath the grate;
no matter, just be sure you show no fear.
Stay frozen for emotions stab through stone.
A shell, no fear, a shell will keep you safe.

No matter, just be sure you show no fear
for safety lies in keeping that hard face. 
A shell, no fear, a shell will keep you safe.
Don't break it or you'll find that you're alone

for safety lies in keeping that hard face,
the consequences dire if you succumb. 
Don't break it or you'll find that you're alone.
Alone with all that fear you can't allow,

the consequences dire if you succumb. 
Hold on, hold on and set that stony face,
alone with all that fear you can't allow.
For somewhere deep within a child cries.

Hold on, hold on and set that stony face.
Use all the strength you have, there's danger here
for somewhere deep within a child cries.
She must be held at bay so now you must

use all the strength you have; there's danger here.
You thought that grieving part of you was dead.
She must be held at bay, so now you must
do all you can to smother every tear.

You thought that grieving part of you was dead.
Kill it again, think stone and ice and then
do all you can to smother every tear.
Get in control! You've done it all before.

Kill it again, think stone and ice and then
stay frozen for emotions stab through stone.
Get in control, you've done it all before…
You hear a scratching sound beneath the grate.

(A Pantoum)

© 1999 Anne Johnson