Of Wolves & Roses Poem by Nika McGuin

What happens when
you let the big bad wolf in?
is it an act of self-violation
born of loneliness and desperation?
As he slinks in, his aroma - a cloud of sin

His pointed teeth gleam in the dark of night
almost charming, as his ivory claws
rake coarsely across your flesh, you sense this isn't right
The wolf falls into a slumber, and you awaken to his flaws
suddenly, he appears so small, a broken little boy - lost
curled into a furry ball with only his bushy tail for cover
he is nearly loveable, what a sight!

Still, how glad you are when he at last departs
back into the darkness from whence he came
in the morning, you burn rose scented incense
trying to cleanse yourself of his stench