Safe Space

I see them all the time.
I do not know them, but I recognize all moves and gestures. 

Quick reach into the pocket, as if the keys they grab are the ones leading to freedom.
They truly might be.
Not because of me myself.
But they do not know that.

Talking to imaginary boyfriend on the phone.
First calling him Josh to swap it with John in a second.
Even when I know there is no range in here.
But they do not know that.

Taking unexpected turn into the darker street.
I want to shout to them not to go there!
I want them to get home safe.
But they do not know that. 

Passing to the other side of the road with no apparent reason.
Like something that orbits in their hearts pulls them away from me.
It is fear. They just want to be safe.
And that is the only thing they know when they see our paths are to cross.  

Because I AM the reason. For them.
Even though I wish I would never be seen as one.

Not all men. I know.
But do not vow for the ones that are already doing their job.
Make change in those who are still in the dark.
Shouting “not all men” is like shouting “the grass is green.”
Think how you can nourish the one that has dried. 

The true sense of safety will come not from you shouting this spin at women, like a horn of Jericho.
But it will come as a gentle voice saying “Thank you. For making other men aware. For raising your sons right.
For calling out your own friends. For taking care of your own mental health. For making our space safer.”

Until then, I will still see them.

All. The. Time.

Edinburgh, 2024