An icy hand running down your spine

But don’t move, because you don’t want to cause trouble.
Don’t flinch, you don’t want to cause a scene.

The distant footsteps somewhere behind you
growing louder and louder

Walk faster, but not too fast – be cautious but don’t presume.

The keys in your hand, the smile plastered politely,
the head down, the neckline high up

Fight or flight?

Fear is walking fast, but never fast enough,
of being smart, but not smart enough,
of being kind, yet not kind enough.

Who do you run from when the one after you is yourself?