The Stranger Within

Toothless and electrified as I walked toward you,
"My dog is mean, can I pet yours?"
Fathers grin fearful I might say hello,
Dance, child, dance at the edge of the wood.

The boy's long eye-lashes stroke the fine fur,
Men turn their backs, legs astride, not a word.
Cast their rods, hunt down the children they once were,
Dance, child, dance at the edge of the wood.

Four fish lie dead, gills heaving, beating dirt
"Have a good day," each word pierces a worm.
To the lake, to the horizons, slay the stranger within,
Dance, child, dance at the edge of the wood.