Like an anti-virus program,
our reptilian brains
scan the environment
for danger.
Hypervigilant,
if imminent trouble is not found
the search is expanded to
what could
possibly,
maybe,
over time
endanger us.
And so we find ourselves
fearful
and
defensive.
Then all it takes is
a sideways look,
a Facebook post,
a passing comment
and
sirens begin to sound,
emergency lights begin to flash,
and
shutdown begins.
Great for our computers,
not for our lives.