EXHALE Kara J. Fort Exhale I went to the store again Another warning before “the lockdown” when I passed strangers in aisles I quit breathing swallowed my panic instead but made eye contact and gave a knowing nod as if we all knew what this was all about I think how often in life have I swallowed my feelings without thought and got by with a nod pretending I’m stronger than I am with strangers understanding why my world does not feel like home I wonder how often in my life have I isolated myself in shame with empty shelves inside, numb as usual pretending our world is normal when its anything but my silence is my best defense
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