subtext

In an infinite array of choices,
none of which, in their multitudinous
unfolding of kaleidoscopic cause,
can be explained nor understood by me,

I hold myself at a distance through fear;
fear I can not hold myself together
in the midst of so many divergent
voices fragmenting space in centrifuge.

I speak to myself to define an edge:
where I manifest and where I leave off.
I whisper little self-absorbed mantras
inaudible to the most astute ear,
building tight levees against an onslaught
of other people’s infinite chatter.