having been startled by fire the first thing
i tested my skin for was signs of fear
the first degree, the second degree
and the third degree dread that burns to the tissue

-this takes years and years of soulgraft-

and i was surprised that i found none
have i grown? or is it that living on the edge
of a precipice is like walking on hot land
or living in cold air?

after awhile, after you've been there
the skin thickens