Leviathan

I have inside of me right now,

lurking under my skin,

something fierce and furtive

and wild and wicked,

something ferocious--

full of life and love of life,

but afraid.

I feel it crouching there,

somewhere around my heart,

peering out through my eyes,

ready to uncoil

and spring,

to shoot out,

ready to stretch its

long, powerful legs

and leap.

I call to it,

"Come out and play!"

but I have hounded it into corners

and stabbed it so many times,

saying, "this is for your own good,"

that it no longer trusts me.

Oh my poor wounded animal soul, 

I cry,

you do not have to hide from me anymore.

I mean you no harm now.

I leave food and water out for you

in stainless steel bowls,

and you eye it suspiciously

from the shadows.

From November 1, 2012