you’re still afraid of it
like a wild dog you’ve frightened off with a friend
it returns when they’ve left
or it grows courageous
you fear the day you grow weak
you fear the day that dog rears its fangs once more

you’ve begun to falter
your steps muddled
you see its approach
you feel it
you’re still afraid of it

yet you are persistent on fighting it again alone
you were always arrogant