When they see me said the old woman
they stop where they are
and gaze into my eyes for as long
as I am willing to stand there
in the wind
at the edge of the forest

You are speaking of my mortal enemy
said the dark red tulip
they have eaten many of my family
they do not spare children
they are pests
beauty excuses nothing

Oh cried the dog
the very thought of them
thrills me to the bone
the chase as much as the capture
the scent weaving ahead of me like a flag
saliva spinning from my teeth