Bear Paws

I am afraid of bear paws

but not the bear itself

Paws that left memories 

 of pounding sounds at the window 

Scares left on my soul and on my thighs.

Same blood flowing through our veins

but an encryption lies in your DNA

Sending messages of hurt instead of healing

mangling my innocents and dismantling my childhood

Imprisoning me and running your claws against the cage

One paw on my mouth and the other one suppressing my spirit 

forcing me to mature, engraving your initials on the side my brain. 

Leaving me to drown in my shame, I am afraid of bear paws