Beast
The wolf is howling at my door
Or maybe I hear the lion’s roar
No matter what the beast
I cannot do anything but freeze
It’s gnashing at the roof
Pounding with a cloven hoof
Windows are being rattled
This tormentor can’t be battled
I hunker down by the fire
Body chilled I am tired
All I can do is wait this out
The beast will have to end this bout
The wailing and moaning need to stop
More wood I will have to chop
To feed the flames that hold it at bay
Because this one beast I cannot slay
It will eventually wind itself down
And a smile will replace my pensive frown
The flames will flicker, sputter, and spurt
Until the logs are reduced to ash and dirt
When the beast finally falls asleep
I will peak outside like a timid sheep
Then when the coast is nice and clear
I will put aside any useless fear
The door will be swung open wide
To allow the chilly air to float inside
I will step out into the wintry day
Calm and muted, white and gray