Like a dog who's been kicked too many times
He leads with his growl
Teeth bared
All aggression and anger
He's come to expect pain
so he strikes first
Dares anyone to come too close
It usually works
No one approaches
Fear begets fear
If only someone would try
to see past the savage snarling
and reach out a hand
Slowly, gently
Pat his tormented head
He might just roll over
for a tummy rub.
submitted for Imaginary Garden With Real Toads, Susan Says, Stretching Comparisons
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Poetry is just the evidence of life. If your life is burning well, poetry is just the ash. Leonard Cohen
