May you never be visited with the terrible fact of
Inescapable violence without reprieve except for
The decision, at someone else’s hands, to stop
May you never be invaded by the systematic cruelty—
As if well thought-out, deliberate, cold, critical, friendly—
Of another human being who has the power to desist
May you never be ravaged or reorganized, may you
Never be coerced to beg, plead, crumble, scream or
Betray, or admit to that of which you are not culpable
May you never be violated by the fragrance of fear
May you forever be protected from horror and rage
May your hope be restored