i feel like i’ve been raped.

i am ashamed

appalled

afraid of the country where i live

afraid of my neighbors who could choose such blight

upon our nation.

i rush to protect my family,

to fight the monster unleashed,

but i have no weapon but my decency

my love.

optimism eludes me

all the lessons,

the “let go, let God”

the serenity to accept what I cannot change

gag in my throat.

i am naked

with an armload of cats

crouching against a giant

who would squash me

without even knowing i was there.