We use fear to set boundaries

Pic courtesy K. Prakash-Mani

And feel proud of the cocoons we weave:
Tightening the thread to the knot in our gut,
Forgetting
That the moth we are trying to protect
Was destined to fly.
The thing about fear of course
Is that it never quite finishes having its say.
If one threat isn’t big enough
It can always conjure up
Another one to take its place:
Being lectured by you on trust
Is like tasting brackish water –
For all the thirst in the world
No one should have to do that.
And yet, I find it hard to dismiss
The bitter caution in your words –
I know it’s the fear-poison again
Labelled as experience.
I do not know how you’ve lived
With that bottle by your bedside all your life –
I do know that I do not want it
Anywhere near mine:
I get myself a drink
Of cold, clear water from the tap,
Turn to Larkin and try to sleep.