Patterns of Abuse

If I ever find out 

the name of the person

who hurt you 

to make you this way

I will hunt them for sport 

and kill them slowly

Your lashing out towards me

has made me rabid

my first instinct has become

to lash out in response

I can’t interact anymore

without intimidating

Like a werewolf’s bite

I foam at the mouth now

I howl alone at the moon

torn to shreds and left to die

I've healed from your attacks

but still remember your teeth

I’ve had to create a barrier

between how I want to react

and what is acceptable

so I don’t scare people away

but the facade I wear

is only so convincing

Because it isn’t natural

it’s not how I want to feel

I want to express raw emotion

I want to be truly known

but who is brave enough

to not be scared off

I have learned to smile in a way 

that hides my fangs

I keep my mane neatly combed

and try to fit in

but my reactions seem off

and my growl gives me away

If I ever find out 

the name of the person

who hurt you 

to make you this way

I will hunt them for sport 
and kill them slowly