Wolf

The gargle in your throat
mighty with no bark
howled at the moon
two gemstones for eyes,

eyes exploding with rage.
I watched from my door step
you tear up earthly carpet.

You came from the ground
crawled up with paws and claws
scratching at the ill surface.

You were a tyrant on time
with a face like a fist,
metal wire teeth hidden behind the fence.

We tried to find our place on this stoop
before they took you away from me.

But you snatched up the life
that breeds new life, new hope, new soul;
you killed at first sight in the spring.

From around the corner he's coming
faster and faster now.
I see you, feel you, breathe you, brother,
I see them and know what they want of me:
your lifeless eyes, the rage burning out.

Now I am you doing the things you did,
killing the way you did.
I am exploding across the sidewalk;
red face, grim glare.
My face, my jaw, my teeth
all painted red.