Stance

 

The best way to hold an opinion

is with both hands clutched tight

securely fixed in your grasp;

under your arm, in your back pocket?

hopelessly inadequate;

casually slung across your shoulder?

asking to be mugged.

Better still, carve out a position 

with whatever tools you have available;

use your bare hands if necessary.

If your position needs extra defences

consider sound proofing,  barbed wire, 

boobytraps; 

you’ll be surprised what common verbal tropes  

can be adapted to the task.

As a final step, consider a flag

this will attract like-minded souls to your position 

(and god knows there’s strength 

in numbers).

A shirt or any other item of clothing 

is the obvious choice— 

emblazon it with crude markings

something bright and easily recognisable 

A slogan shouted at an appropriate time

never goes astray.

If for any reason — thru no fault of your own — 

you are required to abandon a long-held position; 

carefully consider your escape route —

check police scanners for any obvious signs 

of movement, 

wait patiently until the hour preceding dawn

before emerging calmly into the still of morning  

leaving everything but your shadow.