I am the hunted
never killed
they don’t pursue for hides or teeth or flesh
they are eaters of pain
of fear and of frustration

but I have learned to hide
my psyche motionless, emitting nothing
my body curled against some warm hollow
while they pass by
sniffing at the air

soon they will no longer recognize my scent
and I will be free to dance and smile
without, as I often have within