Catharsis

Lions roar and humans

try to remain calm

jagged nerves innocent to

a beast simply

expressing himself at the zoo.

I return home in a state

of youngster-fears

and dream again of the

lion that roars. I twist in fear

of dad’s footsteps

as I am of that large animal

whose footfalls chase

me in my dreams.

Except this moment

is no longer a little  boy’s

fantasy. It is a voice from a man--

it’s daddy and I am sure

he’s gulped  more

than a few from the tavern

once again. And I cry.

.