Leviathan

We must speak now. I am

no longer sure of the words. When he

hears the case against Brock Turner my

grandfather proclaims, It’s not safe for

boys. Someone’s truth is

not the same as fact. But how

should we say, in poetry,

what the difference is? Of the horse race between

fear or outrage, I am divesting. Bewildering is

the guy hitting on me last night

while hostessing in the bar—

Grace you’re very graceful. Grace your tip is

going to be dirty tonight. It’s going to be dirty tonight.

Terrifying are the pine needles Chanel Miller finds in

her hair the next morning. But

I won’t be made to choose a horse.

Unlike truth, fear is not also the pursuit of it.

Fear is just fear. Outrage is outrage.

In fear and outrage, we find each other.