Afternoon of the Wolf
By Carmina Gitana
I can't quite see you, but I can tell,
because it's true - fear has
a smell,
that you are there, that you are frozen.
You know you've
wandered too close.
You know who I am, you've been warned,
that I can cause a lot of harm.
But don't be afraid, it's
been a while
since I was young and fierce and wild,
eyes like
moonlight, fur like silver,
a hungry predator, a killer,
sharp
of fang and fleet of foot,
hunting flesh and trailing blood.
Yes, I made this whole forest tremble,
thought I was invincible,
and somehow, foolishly, forgot.
You're only lawless till you're
caught.
She was alone and wearing red.
I don't remember
what I said,
but she didn't run, she didn't hide.
She never guessed
what I desired.
She never even looked away.
Had no idea that
she was prey.
And, giving in to the temptation,
I took
a chance I shouldn't have taken.
And then, I ran, fast as I could.
You only run until you're caught.
They chased me down, they
dragged me out,
they thrust their hands inside my mouth,
wrenched
the teeth out of my jaws,
clipped my ears, pulled out my claws.
Then, they let me go, and laughed, and said,
"Let's see now, wolf,
who's big and bad."
This all happened long ago.
And now,
I'm slow, and weak, and old.
So you can pass, I won't even chase you.
Though you smell like something I once tasted.
You should
get home, the day's near over.
Ah, but what's this? You're coming
closer.
Your eyes are sad and sweetly tender.
Your tears fall
on my fur like silver.
Your arms slip round my neck so light,
and
it's been so long since I was touched,
so long since I have
played this game.
But I think I could win again.
I do believe
I make you wonder
about the hibernating hunger
of old wolves
who no longer bite.
Old habits rest, but never die.
Your
look of naked fascination
could make me rise to the occasion,
but
I don't think that's what you want,
for this would only be a hunt.
So you should go now. Go, before
you get more than you're asking
for.
And if you ever come across,
someone like me, who
talks as soft,
and moves as slow, and seems as harmless,
and
asks you for your trust and kindness -
stay clear of him.
Take my advice.
Beware the ones with moonlight in their eyes.
Awards
Comments on "Afternoon of the Wolf"
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On Thursday, November 24, 2016, out there
(166) wrote:
this is fantastic, completely original. don't know if it's an analogy (the wolf) or to be taken literally. But the rhyming and flow are spot on. I felt sorry for our wolf when he was caught and clipped -who are the bad ones wolf or human?? 'you're only lawless till you're caught' .. yes.
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On Saturday, November 1, 2014, purr_verse
(1053) wrote:
I'm so irregular here these days, but in the small moments I pass through, I never regret stopping in at your page. Fucking magnificent write. The viewpoint here original and excellently conveyed; powerful and incisive. You rock&rule, as always. The world needs more of you, and I should come by your space more damn often.
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A former member wrote:
Most men seem to be compensating for something. Bad boys are often compensating for being sweethearts, deep down. Makes you wonder what those 'nice guys' are compensating for, eh? Insightful piece, Gitana. Enjoying your work very much.
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A former member wrote:
This is a great write. I love the rhyming and the little red riding hood references. Your style lulled me to a sense of feeling sorry for the wolf as if I was the one trying to be a friend to him .good write
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A former member wrote:
I do love this, great use of rhyme. I like how you've taken this from the perspective of both the predator and the prey. Brilliant, write on.
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On Sunday, May 6, 2012, DarkDruidess
(313) wrote:
Wow...I was so drawn in that I never noticed how soft the fur was...blown away seriously...~ Dru P.S. Nice to meet you...
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On Monday, April 30, 2012, dwells
(4179) wrote:
Little Red Riding Hood never had a chance and this tale was woven into a sympathetic, woolfian wonder. Much enjoyed in the telling, cheers!
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On Monday, April 30, 2012, Undertaker
(32) wrote:
This is true elegance at its best, A true masterpiece I must say. Thankyou
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On Monday, April 30, 2012, FadedBlues
(2096) wrote:
this is outstanding. even monsters are pitied when they're ancient & seemingly harmless...'old habits rest, but never die', old lust remains, but satisfactions's hard to come by...