Disappointment

We walked around her
like wagons circled,
when word arrows flew--
dodged arrowheads and bullets.
A close call when he called
to run away, to return to sinking ship,
the derailed empty boxcar.

Empty man who cannot choose
to savor the feast; preferring rat poison
doled out like candy--
does he think so little of himself
that he grovels for droppings?
Tigers never change their stripes
for hearts.