From deep in the woods
we hear the harrowed shrieks
of females resisting.
Not rape
but foxes
gickering.

The human female’s assault
is covered by a pact of silence.
We can’t be certain.
But foxes.

In the dark shadows
of a park at night, words
fall softer than leaves. A
hush smothers the Sunday
school heart. Who says
a whisper is not intimidating.
Who stands above the fear
of hidden sounds.

We hold our breath
and count backwards.
Girls groped by the question
posed as secret underthings.