Claw

     be docile now

     each thorn blunted

     means I’m in charge

     for now

     I’m in charge of this one

  even so it’s squirmy

  unsuited to submission

  I can’t get hold of every claw

  it hisses and it still has teeth

  it hides with its wounds and snarls

  in a crawl space

  it disturbs my sleep

     I admit there’s a fierce unrest in me

     that won’t stay put

     won’t understand that you mean well

     won’t relax in your arms

     like it wants to

     though you've given so much

     and doesn’t really trust you at all