Afraid of the leather. Afraid of the wood. So I lived in the middle where nobody stood. Never once did I ponder on whether I should-if I could drift off maybe I would.


Quite riddled I fiddled with words in the middle and whistled a dwindling song. Alone I would kindle my love for the middle and diddled a world of my own.

And here I'd cocoon in the chill afternoon and await the June holiday soon. Raise my voice to the moon; sing a joyful tune that would leave me as gay as a goon.


I hear gravel?


I hide-


and I brace for the tide stare outside and prepare to collide. Did the middle subside as the diddling dried cos I lied!? I prefer that I died.

Hearing the door ringing I'm certain you’re bringing a beating of leather to sting. No crying or bleating! No pleading or weeping! No pity is left in your eyes!

I cowered in fright.

Try to put up a fight-

or take flight before anger ignites!

I long for my middle! Escape from your plight

but no might could protect me tonight.  


!


I'm leathered!

Belt weathered.

I cower and quiver so back to the middle I go.

Like shadows I slithered from pain you delivered that withered my love for your world.


Afraid of the leather. Afraid of the wood I retired to the middle where nobody stood. Never once did I ponder on whether I should-if I could leave then-

I never would.