Winner Of The Month: Dancing Bear By Karyn Escalante

Years ago, when I was small

I did as I was told,

Certain those entrusted

with my body and my soul,

Would cultivate and celebrate

My wild, beating heart,

Not taunt and tease, dismissing

My untamed and brazen parts.

And if entreated, I would dance

Performing on demand,

Adopting an unnatural stance,

Avoiding reprimand.

But I would grow and come to know

The truth about a man:

With power he exploits the weak,

In greed, because he can.

Now I am older, wise and strong,

Aware of human flaws.

My advice is, when you’re treated wrong,

“Remember - you have claws.”