Wounded Beast

I imagine myself
As a wounded beast
Poised to attack
Any who care enough to help
On the alert
To unleash my anger
Upon any who dare to come too close
Snarling in fear
Of the pain if my wounds are touched
Wanting only to withdraw
To curl up in the darkest shadows
To lick my festering sores
To sleep
To rest
Until
I awaken
Whole again