TRAPPED ANIMAL

I am a trapped animal
abused by humans in my past
though I know there are good ones out there.

I don't feel safe with you yet,
but I like you more than almost
any human I have met.

You tell me not to leave
even though I don't feel safe.

You slap me.
You tell me not to run for the door

even though I know there are
humans out there who won't slap me.
I don't want to leave. I don't want to stay.
I cry.