“Nowhere is safe.”
The phrase rang before,
told in dystopian novels
and written in the scars
of humanity’s crooked past.

A repetitive cycle
between sanctuary
to shunned amongst the shadows
for merely existing.

Regardless of how much fear accumulates, we can’t be erased.

claire kroening is a poet, writer, and editor residing along the great lakes. their work has been recognized by Scholastic Art and Writing Awards, and appears in a plethora of international literary publications including New Words Press, Young Writers Journal, Le Canard, Wingless Dreamer, and elsewhere. connect with them on instagram @clairerosek.