First prey then predator, princess from plague
of corpses, rats — white cross/black rain. Wood rot,
footsteps in smoke, cadavers diseased, grave
resolution to starve, bereaved. You sought
rodents, stumbled on cries, found slovenly,
cerulean eyes. Child devoted to
a corpse. Awaken death, her prayers without
remorse. Each aches for arms tragedy withdrew —
imbued paternity, their bond devout.
Resolve to keep her safe in hand, but she
is something you don’t understand — aware,
an animal who shed her baby teeth;
Her curls hide monster underneath — a snare.
Her thirst for life is selfish, childlike, new.
She seeks the beauty of the beast in you.
Claudia
