in the teeth

In a protest
I mistook as a
parade
I flowed along
the street
without a life jacket

I was given markers
and posterboard
to make my signs, of course;
the absurd ones got
the most attention

When I asked you
what your sign meant
you shrugged
and said you weren't
quite sure
but it gave you something to
hold
if the news crews came by

We finished our introductions
with hands stained from markers
and I kept marching
in the teeth
of a tornado
as you stopped
and ran
when your toupee became
undone
and your secret would be
revealed

You closed the storm doors
to your bunker,
cobweb covered,
and gave me the thumbs up
assuring me
that you'd be safe
with people who loved you
as you gestured to a dark room

When I asked if you'd look
for me
the next day
you shrugged and said
you couldn't make any promises