11 years old, a fleshy tissue

sitting in the room
of the wrong alpha dog
clenching her respect
as it toughened her teeth

hands traveled—
searched
and then reaped
her so-called arrogance, that day

Still
After all this time
The monster continually
Swallows her thoughts
Chews her words
Nibbles at the corners—of her blissful memories

In later years
Someone
Was told her tale
Revealing the monstrous nature
Of it’s malice

Upon hearing the tale
She was assured
By whom she had learned—not to depend

She would be loved

But really—
It caused no quarrel
amongst the raging confusion, that slept in her judgement

For, Indeed—
There was nothing left to love