Childhood Fears

Isabella Bickenbach

just as i thought i lost the wolf,

i see a glimpse of his bushy tail

peeking out from behind a bush.

eerie yellow eyes oozing out from

his sockets, crooked nose – uneven facial hair.

i act casual, not hinting that i noticed him.

i continue with my day, taking the long

way home, hoping to lose him. as i reach

my front stoop, i take two furtive glances

around me before shutting the door and

locking the three bolts then double checking

that i locked them because you can

never be too sure. when i turn around

a gasp slips out of me as i see the wolf

sitting at my table, lounging in the plaid

cushioned chair helping himself

to bread and wine like he lives here.

why are you startled, my dear?

don’t act surprised to see me,

you know i would come back

eventually. you can never keep

a wolf away for long, not when

there’s bread and wine and

a house that needs company.