an ire for bards and other things.

predator.

i am the pain,
i am the suffering,
of being the hunted.

i am the alpha of your fears,
and the omega of your desires.
i hardly pity,
and
i sleep well knowing that i am feared
rather than
loved.

~

i was a delicate and sweet-tongued babe, once; the years passing me by so quickly i can hardly bear to think about who i used to be.
in those days, i couldn't ever imagine feeling anything but hope for myself.

but the others preyed on my innocence.

they smelled my trust from miles away,
and they hunted me
like hungry dogs in the streets.

my mother knew they were coming for me, but i refused to stay inside; instead, i ran.
i ran faster than i ever had out the front door, the bittersweet rebellion pumping between my lungs.

"let it be known that i am no longer afraid!" i cried into the shadow painted forest, my feet not failing me as i sprinted deeper
and deeper
into the grove of looming trees.
i felt brave,
         free,
         happy,

until i stopped running, trying to relieve my shuddering breath.
when i stopped, that's when i realized
just how
lost
i was.

they tasted my fear,
and smiled,
knowing i was through.

i heard them breathing through the underbrush, and i could feel their eyes drinking in my body; just waiting to tear into me.

and,
without a sound,
they did.

~
i have been miserable ever since.

and now i am here.
waiting, watching,
for my own innocent
to devour.
so i won't have to be
alone
any longer.

- the hunter.