There’s a pack of wolves
At my door
Baying dogs
Salivating and sore
Hungry for blood
Tracking my scent
Waiting to pounce
If I should relent
Circling scavengers
Starved and rabid
Set upon me
Because I was too placid
Like Little Red Riding Hood
I decided to walk
Through the woods
But didn’t want to talk
They viewed my silence
As a passive attack
But maybe I’m different
And don’t like to hit back
I simply showed restraint
Cut my losses
Didn’t get embroiled
In sniping and gossip
Headed for the hills
To a more tranquil place
To tend to my wounds
With compassion and grace
It was still a free country
Last time I checked
I am free to fraternise
With whomever I select
Free to roam
Wherever I please
And spend my time
Fulfilling my own needs
I don’t ‘belong’
To anyone
I am my own person
And my will is strong
I won’t be dictated to
Used as a prop
And I am not afraid
Of baying dogs.
Rachel Rhodes 