As a pulsating prey
I dance before the Man -
The Lion
Strapped down in shackles.
Drooling behind the bars.

I cut off his mane.
His vulnerability flaunted to any bare eye who would care enough to stare.

For I continue to dance
Teasing my lion
Making sure he knows that he is fed
When I command it.

My words crack as a whip against the lion's back.
He knows that I love another.
Yet he stays in his cage
With the door wide
Open.