I'm afraid
Of wolves with big hands
Gleaming teeth
And sweet voices

I'm afraid of cunning foxes
Who pretend to be your friend
But have something dark in mind
For you at the end

I'm afraid of snakes
Who after injecting you with their poison
Carry you off to their lair
And wrap their body around yours

I'm afraid of stray dogs
Who follow you down the street at night
Barking obscene words
And taking nips at bits of your body
When they can

I'm afraid
Of all the wild animals
Free to roam around
At night
As I lock each and every one
Of my deadbolts