The Fence I Built

I didn’t feel safe, so I built a fence.

I felt too seen, so I hid behind it.

I love creating the scenery —

I just don’t love the attention.

How do I explain that?

I’m a phenomenon as complex as the Lungs of the Earth:

alluring and magnetic,

vast and situated,

beautiful and dangerous.

Beaded in surprises —

some majestic,

some phobic.

So, I built a fence.

There is a false safety there.

At least I know the map inside it.

I can defend it against would‑be invaders.

I can protect what is sacred there.

Inside my fence,

I don’t have to look over my shoulder.

Inside my fence,

I can finally relax.