After learning all I could 
from the wild things in the wood
again I mingle with polite society

commensal coexistence suits me fine
tightrope walking the ultrathin line
between butterfly and barbarian

camouflaged in a little black frock
easily blending with the vulnerable flock
the right people at the right parties

a ladylike sip of Woodford Reserve
contemplate sinking my teeth in a nerve
less blood, more pain than a vein

with feral never far away
for now, I hold the beast at bay
but soon, I’m bound to bite.