This Is More Than Fear

This is more than fear
Each responding without thought
To some past violence so cruel
I gag to imagine.

The dog barks and pulls
The lead pulling him backwards
The woman cowers and hides
Her veil no protection

From scared growling fangs
That thankfully aren’t today
The attack her body fears
Knowing no one is safe. 

I can do nothing
But give a sad, rueful smile
A hand half-raised in, I hope,
A sign of peace conveying

I see her terror
And wish it flung far from her
So she, too, can walk in joy,
Unafraid in the sun.

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