The Issue

If safety is the only issue here
Then let’s be safe. Don’t let yourself be cowed
By people who think, just by being loud,
They can persuade you into thinking fear
Could be the issue, or that death is near –
Or victory (we’re bloody, yet unbowed).
The issue isn’t pride, since we’re not proud.
Safety is what you want. That much is clear.

But be precise. Don’t pause, and drift away
Like rudderless boats on an empty sea,
Or elephants who’ve lost their dignity,
Ashamed and desperate. Strength? Love? Display?
If safety is the issue, let me say
It isn’t safe to wander aimlessly.