Claws and Thorns by Tatiana Pahlen

Claws and Thorns
By Tatiana Pahlen

"A rose by any other name would smell as sweet!"
— Shakespeare

Time after time
at my worse or best
I'm letting my wrath out;
Uttering loud
with no remorse
I'm flaunting to foes
my outstretched claws
Ready to charge or clout,
Largely when I am forced.

Like this faint rose
poised in the vase
Dare to harm or flout it!
With its thorns — sharp as fangs
it would ooze you,
make you fazed;
I'm letting my wrath out
now you are doomed to face!

March 30, 2003