Poetry by Angelica Fuse ° Art by Tony Citelli

Leftovers

I am not the dog

at your table
I do not care
to nibble at your fingers
do not reach
behind my ear
or I will bite your
hand off
I will snap at you
with growling
and you will know
what kind of creature
I am.

Stickers

my teacher
gave me a sticker
when I was young
and I longed
for trophies
and badges
but found solid
ground in my voice
instead
found strength in
freedom from
accolades
so do not slather
me with empty
praises, do not
chain me
to expectation.