The Names You Mustn’t Mention

Don’t worry. We won’t. But we know
You have them. You have to have them.

Think. Sit alone somewhere and think,
Or just think wherever, right now.

What are the names you can’t mention?
There’s a few that you can murmur,

Might be murmuring right now,
But mention suggests dialogue,

Conversation. Let that guide you
To them. What are the names you can’t

Bring yourself, in conversation,
To mention? No hurry. We’ll wait.

We’re names. We’re here, and we’re patient.
Once we’re down, we don’t move again.