Big Bad

by Veronica Schanoes

Can't you see can't you see the red

Back and forth I go back and forth

on the path between the trees

on the path through the woods

can't you see can't you read the red?

every day I get older every day

white flashes briefly in my dark red fur

axes stay dull baskets swing

back and forth back and forth

and I wait I wonder where you might be.

Can't you see can't you read the red?

Every day I pace out the same path I

wear out a groove waiting and looking

you should have been here by now

shouldn't you have been here by now?

I have stopped feeling, like clockwork

I go back and I go forth.

Off the path alone is just another path

and I have stopped feeling

heat fur where are you

off the path alone

my heart does not race

my pace is calm, cool, she curves we giggle

I want — heart race fire break

     even this I want

     in red in blood

     in bone in tears

the path alone is boring

Who's afraid I'm afraid of

never meeting you again

now I have grown my own teeth

when will we meet again

now I have grown my own claws

Will we meet again

now I have grown my own arms

big enough, all the better to pounce

all the better, my dear.

We must meet again.

I am waiting for you

and now I am older.