I Only

Wanted to be safe
like the turtle in her armored shell
to sit in my good red blanket
and enormous hat
with only the smallest
real potential
for any hook to catch my eye
and rip me down
spilling me
out of my wool cocoon
the one I thought so warm and bright
and good enough to hide in
even on the open corner
of a busy street
where there is no mercy
and no one begs
forgiveness