I forced the pattern to my speed Called the drag a steady pace Pressed for answers, filled the silence Left no margin in the phrase Then when the motion turned against me I locked my jaw and let it run Watched the strain move through the circle Acted like it came from none I know the shove that had my shoulder I know the moment I went still I know I waited past the warning Till the damage chose the rhythm Some pushed / some bent— Some pushed / some bent / we all felt it break. Each move changed what followed A held breath kept the pressure running A sharp reply reset the pace I can name where I kept it turning Where I froze and let it roll No one made the sound alone No one heard it alone I cut across a careful answer So the next voice dropped its end That silence let me press the question And the circle tightened again Someone yielded to the hurry I mistook it for consent Someone pushed against my pushing I went rigid, would not bend That refusal stalled the warning So another stepped between I arrived with brakes much later After speed had changed the scene No one stayed in one position Every answer changed the next What we met became the motion That the next response would meet Some pushed / some bent / we all felt it break. Each move changed what followed A held breath kept the pressure running A sharp reply reset the pace I can name where I kept it turning Where I froze and let it roll No one made the sound alone No one heard it— Take the others out a minute Leave me where I cut across I heard someone stop mid-sentence Still I asked and would not pause When their face went blank before me I took silence as a yes When resistance met my shoulder I leaned harder into it I HEARD THE STOP AND PRESSED AGAIN THE NEXT TURN CARRIED WHAT I CHOSE Some pushed— Some bent— We all felt it break. Each move changed what followed A held breath kept the pressure running A sharp reply reset the pace I will name where I kept it turning Where I froze and let it roll No one made the sound alone No one heard it alone If another voice comes forward I won't tell it what it meant I will stay and hear what followed Where my motion entered theirs I won't close the sound around us No one heard it alone
