It wasn't a loud sound
per se
but resonated deeply
each time I looked
into his eyes
briefly
penetrated through
his haze
and saw
the injured beast, writhing
and lashing out,
foaming at the mouth,
standing before him
unafraid
to listen
to his screams
I wait...
for him to catch his breath
and re-stoke his anger
to re-assure
me
of fear
it becomes clear
he wants me
more than
afraid-
I stay still
staying
vulnerable
taking in
all the black hate
trying to
level up
with love
I try to feel
sorry-
for him
for us
for this pain-
sans blame-
when it clicked
the lock
and I rose
inhaling deeply,
and walked away.
Painting by William Kay Blacklock [Public domain].
