Lion-eyes,
your gaze smears me in crimson.
I am your prey.
You boast your mane,
I shut my eyes.
But your growl vibrates through me.
The courage spills past bravery into insolence.


When I shield myself behind a mirror
you don't recognize yourself.
I am to blame.
You say,
"This is a compliment."
but all I see are
grinning canine teeth.


To you, I am always
*RED.