We are pleased to announce the Barista Favorite from February 26th’s Promote Yourself Monday at Go Dog Go Cafe. It is Kristiana Reed’s poem A Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing, originally published on Blood Into Ink.
It wasn’t until after you’d left
me with voices in my head,
that I found your sweater;
mutton-coloured, merino wool
folded neater than I could ever be.
I pulled it on in my haphazard,
this is why you’re not a mother way.
You would have gently sneered
as the itchy wool shuddered
over my shoulders,
juddered down my front.
It was your size yet too tight,
a collar of beaded cotton teeth
caressing my jugular
threatening consumption of anything
which made me whole.
I wore it anyway.
In solidarity with the love
I once messily kindled,
with the friendship I once tended;
as you softly brandished secateurs,
pruning to perfection
your unruly rose.
Even though it itched,
picked, at my imperfections
with a snarling grin,
I wore it for a day.
Like you, I sneered;
white claws drawing blood
from my lips.
Like you, I wore expectations
taught by an unfaithful father
and coddling mother.
Like you, I stared hard
at soles with the nerve
to walk upon this earth,
alongside my perfect feet,
dressed in you.
One day was enough.
To finally meet the wolf;
who had charmed his way
into my nightdress,
who had almost devoured me,
who had almost married me.
In clothing which made me messy
and he pretty – petty.
I pulled off your sweater
from the bottom;
unravelled its edges
like I broke your heart.
I burnt the remaining thread.
I burnt it, in the flames
of the ardour,
I never felt for you.
____________________________________________________________________________________________
Kristiana Reed juggles writing and teaching English; in both vocations she endeavours to remind people of their self worth and how dazzlingly beautiful the world can be.
You can read more of Kristiana’s writing at My Screaming Twenties
Great choice
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Reblogged this on The Militant Negro™.
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Thank you!! ❤ An honour again x
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I love this a little bit more with each read.
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This is an amazing piece. It’s obvious to see why it is a favorite.
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What a treasure to read! I loved this and who can’t relate?
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