I make no apologies for who I am,
I offer no hesitations.
I take what I need from the fat of the lamb
and give ewe no explanations.
My teeth gleam sharply and my bark is loud.
It echoes from hollow to glen.
I howl for my loved ones, solemn and proud,
and hold them all close in my Den.
I know Great Spirit smiles upon me
and teaches me songs of the Mother.
I carry Her blessings to all of my Kin,
a message of love to another.

End Times

Rained blood in the city this morn.
It congealed in the back alleyways.
And the street corner prophets proclaimed
that now was the end of all days.

And then into town came the plagues
on swift paws of rats and their fleas,
and the street corner prophets themselves
succumbed to the mighty disease.

For God protects not the accusers
and glass always falls to tossed stones.
Death stalks the living intently
til naught will remain but dry bones.

They say End Time quickly approaches,
so Beware! For it comes with the dawn.
But we find once the day breaks upon us
that the world, just the same, still rolls on.

You strand yourself on an empty beach;
Food, water, or wine you cannot reach.
You starve yourself, you’re beyond speech.
You bore yourself, you’ve no one to teach.

The tears run down your sunburned face.
You tear at your hair, a basket case.
You’re inconsequential in this space,
Despite your fine breeding, despite your grace.

You amuse yourself with mixed up lore.
You laugh at your wit like it’s no small chore.
You don’t have enough and you want more,
But your eyes are wet and your brain is sore.

You swear that you aren’t the one that’s insane.
But you’re begging for water while drowning in rain.
Your record is skipping, you’re stuck on your pain..pain…pain…pain
As you sit on the sand, counting each grain.

This struggle of lovers blazes
forever in my heart.
Always wanting happiness
but only flames calm the smoke.
Cold reigns despite the heat of passion.
Consequence remains.
Fleeting, lilting songs surround us.
Love dances to the beat of drumming hearts
only to be gone again tomorrow.

I remember what you're going through.
It hasn't slipped my mind.
All the days and nights of struggling.
All the jerks who were unkind.
The screaming of your parents and
their apathy, your tears.
The constant wear and tear that makes you
older than your years.
You see the scars I'm carrying
upon my heart and skin.
I've made the same mistakes before.
You just can't let them win.
So get lost inside your music,
crank those speakers loud,
lift your black-rimmed eyes and snarl.
Wear your scars, be proud!
I'll be here to wipe your tears and
hold your tired hand.
Just remember little sister
some adults do understand.

Oh what a weary heart have I,
as I watch my loved ones earthly lie.
And though I may long to lay me down
and freely relinquish my mortal crown
ever northward continues my gait
and I shuffle, rambling, toward that final state.