#pack-related

The body that houses the beast Is small. Narrow, slim, and pale.

The body that houses the beast, My dear, Is shy and weak, fragile.

The body that houses the beast, is lies Sweet lies to tempt your hand.

The body that houses the beast, My dear, Will take each blow and stand.

I will stand and fight, My dear. My back unbent nor bowed.

I will stand and fight, My dear. For as long as Gods allow.

The body that houses the beast, My sweet, Will stand far longer still.

For the body that houses the beast, Its heart, Is stronger far, and proud.

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The body that houses the beast, My beast, This monster under skin?

The body that houses the beast, My beast, Has learned, and felt, and Been.

I will stand and stand, My dear. Oh, I am more than body or beast.

The body that houses this beast, My sweet, Is gentle warm dark sin.

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The body that houses the beast, My beast? Will crack and break and wear away... The masks will fall at end of day.

My Beast will roam where I cannot. Strong and fierce when I am gone. And still, this Beast will carry on...

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What drives you, child of moon and stars? What moves you? What sounds in the deep, what echoes answer back?

{We have stood in silence for too long.} [Blessed be, Blessed be.]

What fire aches within you, child of darkness and pain? What burns you? What ashes lie upon your tongue, what ember still glows?

{Listen to the Night, hear Her whispers} [Hear our plea, Mother of Madness.]

What nightmares call you, child of sleep? What Death in Dreaming holds you? What terror wakes you from Our grasp, what key frees you?

{Hear us and remember.... Hear us and forget.} [May it be, May it be!]

What song would burst from your lips, child of desolation? What chains you? What keeps you from your cries, what silences?

{Unleash the Beast! Set it free-} [Set it upon it's course.]

What would you have from us, child of death? Name it, and it is yours. From you I would have nothing, what is mine is mine by blood and pain and fire.

I have been referred to as "the Shoulder" for a very long time. Since I was in the church, actually... but now I am realizing that I am MORE than just a passive shoulder for anyone to cry on that wishes. I am the Sword Arm.

I have weapons at my disposal and I know how to use them. I am armed, I am dangerous, and I am more than my appearance. You do not fuck with the people I care about, or you will find yourself bleeding out on some lonely highway, and my tail-lights the last thing you ever see. Whether physical threat or no, my chosen Family is the one thing I will defend to the death.

Husband, Boyfriend, Lovers, Metamours.... All are under my protection, under my aegis. You screw with them, you screw with ME. And THAT is a very uncomfortable position for people who do not know how to shield themselves.

I can and will let whomever wishes fight their own battles. That is their right, and I don't have to step in unless they want help. They have more than enough power to destroy you on their own. But.....Should they want my help....?

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I am stronger than you think. This body does not house all of me, and it never will. I have come through fire and blood and fear and pain to stand where I am now. I have fought terrors, I have wrestled with demons. Those who tormented and abused me will burn for their sins in this life and the next. I will continue to grow in strength and in power, in love and compassion, in truth known and unknown. I will become more than what they would make of me, and continue to rise.

. . .

Sometimes its hard to remember that this is my place, now. That even though I am sometimes small in form, and young in [mental] age.... that I am strong. That my strength is valued just as much as my vulnerability. That I am expected to show my strength, just as much as my vulnerability.

When I hear the growl, feel the teeth at my throat.... it is hard. Ears wish to lay back, the throat to be bared to your teeth. Roll me.... Break me open. I will submit to you, my Alpha; if that is what you seek.

But no... No, that is not always what is sought. Sometimes it is the fight. Fire meeting fire. My teeth are as strong as yours, and my will is just as great. I am the Teeth of the Pack.

I will not roll over for just anyone. I will not bare my throat and belly for justanyone.

It is my responsibility to defend myself, and the Pack. It is my responsibility to fight for myself, and the Pack.

I am not just allowed, I am EXPECTED, when people unknowing or no encroach upon my territory; OUR territory; to fight back. I am encouraged and told to continue. I will not cringe, I will not bare my heart for a blow...

I am the Teeth of the Pack.