A cockroach clicks
across my floor
sniffing for grease
I lie bulky
bedridden
defenseless but for a boot
wait! I cannot
accuse it of martial
invasion
its intentions are benign
its heart an empty
shell of dark
yet
any advance
on my person
must be countered
with appropriate
severity
nations protect
their beaches
kings hold
fast their jewels
cannot I therefore
save
my bacon?