Wolves

We're tied and bound 
not by thick chains, locked tightly in place, leaving their cold impressions on our skin 

but by thoughts and feelings dancing around in our heads, taunting us 
they're intangible, as thin as string 

We could just apply a small amount of force 
and break free, 
right? 
They would just disintegrate like they never existed

Because it's as easy as breathing, right? 


But sometimes, the breaths don't come that easily. 
Catching in our lungs like a stray piece of fabric on a loose bit of skin 

The wolves howl in the distance, but you're bound 
to this tree 
The night is enclosing, shutting the curtains so you can only hear your fear

It's your racked breaths and sweat dripping to the forest floor
crystal clear as it hits the dirt. 
It's your tears blazing a fiery trail on your face
then freezing over 
And you just can't take the sudden change 

And the howls are getting closer, paws beating on the ground, faster and faster 
matching your heart 

You're cornered and faced with something that's supposed to be a choice 
but you don't have one 
not really 

And the wolves come 
but they don't devour you 
they set you free
ripping the strings from your wrists with their teeth,
looking you in the eyes