Once upon a time: beyond walls

Context: This tale is about gaze-meeting beyond the built-up walls of gender clichés.

Image: based on drawings by © afarai

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Once upon a time,
there was a world.
Secure.
surely not for everyone.
carefree.
but towards me carelessly.
so I put on my mental armor
made of steel.

“Miss,
can I ring you later?”
unwanted glancing
through a flipped-up visor.
No choice, no grace.

With one hand on the sword
I move still
one step after the other
light on my feet
or so it looks at least.
Just don't stand still.

Attract attention,
attend attractions.
no, I should better not
go out without a safeguard
perhaps,  I feel less
left behind like this.
more protected even,
but embarrassed nevertheless,
and surely less wild.

Come along sister knights,
the nights are ours.
ties we form, courage we give.
More daring together.

Once upon a time
there was a world.
Certainly safe
to go as you please.
surely opening doors
along your ways

“Prove it to me
don’t you make a fuss.
too sensitive are you doubtlessly.
don’t you dare to rely on doubts.”

Your feelings are safe
behind lock and key
and you in your tower.
Tears rolling down.
playing the harp 
would be nice
with pink and glitter
velvet and silk.

Cautious glances through the keyhole.
 but staying locked
feels better.
a velvet case for needs,
safely tucked away.
you are way too shy anyway.
Better duck away.
Good at taking a hit, aren’t you?.
more a bit of taking off
to dream worlds.

Attract attention
attend attractions
no, better not
without a protective wall.
Keep harping.

However,
in the long run also lonely.
so alone in your tower.

I am
riding back
past your tower
on a white horse of course.

Pretty outside
from your point of view
you might think?
good insights
on both sides
from my point of view.
Either way
or both ways
our gazes meet.

Instants instantly pass on.
more than a moment.

Not invisible anymore.
without armor made of steel,
without a wall
 we almost believe in fairy tales,
at least in momentarily magic.
or never again
other than that.

In our now we live
already a bit of
future happiness.

© cynje