You are in the presence of a dangerous woman,
one unashamed of her blood--
I'll smear it on your fucking face.
Unafraid of my own voice--
I'll use any voice I want (maybe steal yours)
Unapologetic for my rage--
consequences
You've been warned
(a million times, yes, I know)
Flouting with bravado how flippant
you can be in the face of danger,
taunting it like the world's
worst show-off casting
his own shadow
on a caged lion.
Come closer, little boy.
Make faces at me,
jeer and sneer in my face, expecting
everything to keep the stasis
you're so infatuated with.
I anticipate with glee
the shock and blood on your face
when you come too close to my bars
and my claws find the space between,
slashing out loud,
shaming you.
🦁
*Author note: “casting his own shadow” was stolen on the spot from Caitlin Charlton’s thoughtful comment and edited in immediately. Love at first sight with that phrasing. If I win anything, I promise to tip out.
About the Creator
Harper Lewis
I'm a weirdo nerd who’s extremely subversive. I like rocks, incense, and all kinds of witchy stuff. Intrusive rhyme bothers me.
MA English literature, College of Charleston
Reader insights
Outstanding
Excellent work. Looking forward to reading more!
Top insights
Easy to read and follow
Well-structured & engaging content
Heartfelt and relatable
The story invoked strong personal emotions
On-point and relevant
Writing reflected the title & theme
Compelling and original writing
Creative use of language & vocab
Excellent storytelling
Original narrative & well developed characters
Masterful proofreading
Zero grammar & spelling mistakes
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More stories from Harper Lewis and writers in Poets and other communities.
Trouble at the Tea Leafing Café
The rain had started right around the time that Annie was buttering her second thick slice of homemade toast for breakfast, and hadn’t paused since. Not that anyone could tell. The windows of the café were fogged over, and with every seat filled with happy customers munching on fresh baked pastries or steaming bowls of the delicious soup of the day, it was hardly surprising. Annie looked around the room, finally taking a moment to breathe after the lunch time rush. Her old life already felt like a bad memory, a part of her history, always, but just that. History.
By Hannah Moore2 days ago in Fiction
Comments (9)
CONGRATS TOP STORY🩷💙💚💛🧡❤️ 🩷💙💚💛🧡❤️ 🩷💙💚💛
Boldly written, beautifiul peice.
Love the power!! Congrats on another TS. 💜
💖 This is written in such an unapologetic way! I particularly loved your choice of diction. The alliteration in "flouting and flippant" gives the poem a sharp, percussive edge. By using italics, you forced me to focus on the rawest parts of your voice; you ensured nothing was understated.
It amazes me where our minds go for these prompts. Such a fierce and unique entry. A great example of how to unleash words with authority! Best of luck!
This hits hard, raw, fearless, and unapologetic. The imagery feels dangerous in the best way, like power finally done being quiet.
You really captured that feeling of being underestimated and the strength that comes from a person's own power. The lion metaphor is a great way to show that boldness.
You stand your ground and be yourself
Ayyyyyyy this fire.