I step into the battleground, shield strapped behind my ears.
Chin covered. Nose covered. 
Ready.
Go. 

Six from behind 

Six left         Six right
     Six front 

An enemy creeping closer, no shield?

Closer  Six 
Closer  Six 
Closer  Six 

Weapons drawn. Ready to kill. 

Six feet apart?

Or six feet under? 

Every stranger is a threat

To me 

To you 

Six weeks? Six months? Six years? Six lifetimes? 

Finally home 

Slam the door  
Sigh of relief 

Not any Sixes in here 
Not any Sixes to hunt me down. 
For now.

I see my parents and sisters and dogs 
No six degrees of separation,
Six degrees closer now.