Herd

The world has always been a dangerous place for young women.

We are never more animal

than sensing tingle-danger;

though animals don’t wonder

am I making it up? Is it worth it?

prey never welcomes predator

into its soft den.

I have felt

animal

but years of training confused me.

now, in my sanctuary,

my Stage Of Life,

but I have known wilderness,

what it is to be wild.

I have been taken down,

wondering where are the women,

and why didn’t they warn me

animal to animal

run.