When Is a Wolf Not a Wolf

A wolf is only a wolf

He does not wear sheep’s leather clothing

Nor do tattoos snake his arms

Nor do melodies drip from his fangs

A wolf is only a wolf

With wolf colored eyes

I do not see the emerald I used to seek

Now it is only a wolf

I wonder not of his rampages

His drunken wars waged in silence

Against the forest offering him shelter

Til the moon returns to keep him warm

She can warm him all she likes

It is only a wolf

Cocky grin

Nostrils flaired

Inhaling the decay of the story

Before its been told

His paws thundering carelessly over torn limbs

Prancing effortlessly after winged beauties

It is only a wolf

My heart gives no lurch

It is only a wolf

Greeting me with sweet nonchalance

Instead of wolfish appetite

Though I suppose its appetite is likely wolfish

It is only a wolf

Once

I would have looked

And I would have seen You.

Now it is only a wolf