in my parents’ world
you remain quiet
not silenced
because freedom is
enshrined
and you don’t display
your misery
unless it is grief based
due personal loss and
you are mindful
but wary of those
beneath you
and most humbly respectful
of the high professions
because they deliver
authorized proximity

First included in “New Poets 19” Anthology by Friendly Street Poets
edited by Edie Eicas 2018 in “Soundings” a collection