Animal In Me

Animal In Me
by Gabe Redel


An animal
lives under my shirt.
It climbs out
when I put on my shoes
and strap on my gloves.

My energy spills from the rocks.
I can’t see anything
but the raw field
and the heat that rises from their necks.

I hear the water drip
against the smooth stone
that has been my bed.

Strength is in this place.
It pushes me down the street
angry at my creator.
I want to fight.
I throw punches ahead of me.

I look into the places
I do not dare step
but I beg them
to come out and meet me
where my animal sleeps.