humans have done it,
subconsciously,
across culture and history,
probably since we lived
in the caves

for the ability to survive
is always in doubt,
not matter how many
pretty panels
we build between us

we duck, we scream,
we run, our eyes widen
(to gather as much light 
[information] as possible)

but sometimes the danger
rolls slowly toward us–
it sees us, and we
cannot escape

we feel our options
wash away like
soap down the drain

and that is when
the ancient instinct
kicks in–we fear
action means death, so we
wring our hands

excusing our cowardice
by pressing our flesh together
to announce to
That Which Approaches
that we are out of the fight

no raised fist, no bared teeth,
no battle cry,
we press our hands together
and wait for others
to act