If I were walking through the city at night,
I would feel a tension from the fear of harm.
“The city isn’t safe at night,” they say.
“You could be attacked by a thief.”
Because of the fear, I do not walk.

If I were walking in the country at night,
I would feel a tension from the fear of harm.
“The country isn’t safe at night,” they say.
“You could be hit by a passing car.”
Because of the fear, I do not walk.

If I were walking through the forest at night,
I would feel a tension from the fear of harm.
“The woods are not safe at night,” they say.
“There are bears in the woods.”
Because of the fear, I do not walk.

I have decided to stop listening.
I will walk in the city.
I will walk in the country.
I will walk in the forest.
My fear is overcome, so I shall walk.

W. Wayne B.
Kindle poetry chapbook: Poems: Hope and Love

Follow me on Twitter: @williamwayneb

© 2013 W. Wayne B.