The Wolf that Kept You Alive

when you were twenty years old

roaring silently

acting bravely despite the fears and insecurities, despite all of the doubts raised by a family believing themselves to be never-enough

in those days the animal within seemed like a friend

a protector

someone who could keep us going through it all, 

who was fierce in a way you could not be

(at least not yet)

now at age forty

with so many miles traveled, and so many new hearts and souls- your family- surrounding you (and vulnerable too in their proximity)

to realize the animal hasn't aged

that its as vicious as ever

only now its turned its teeth and cigarette ember red eyes to them

and despite all of the newfound fortune and comforts

you are weaker now

and a little unsteady in the snow-

facing off against the truest ally you’ve ever known