Ear pain—
invisible
When heard.

Quietly read,
Its title hides
In public—
so as not to offend
The fragility of the powerful.

Is it contagious?
these words—
Leaping from pages
like blades?
Slicing.
Gnashing.
Tender skin.

Boundless,
The power of words—
even little
w – o – r – d – s.