what we see before us

is not unprecedented 

nor unpresidential.

it is unpresidential only in theory

but seldom has it been so in practice.

there is nothing enigmatic 

about the conduct that surrounds us.

this is not paraphernalia of the past,

we are simply witnessing 

vocalization of a psychological violence 

that never went anywhere.

where would it go if we need acknowledged it?

though no longer the common assumption

the expectation is still 

that we do not raise our voices back.

or rather

the expectation is still

that they shouldn't be able to hear us.

silences are no longer demands,

they are muffling queries of respect

for the border

the flag

the troops

the LEOs

the country.

the slight altercation they've made

to the american fabric

is the threading in of a taboo

on the word that perfectly 

describes what it is,

what they are.

a word they heartily fear more 

of being called 

than of being.