“Mastiff” by Blayne Waterloo

Today’s peace is retaliation for

Those decades of unease – but

At a price. My spirit racks the

Chain fence of this physical form,

Simple as breathing. Always has been.

Having cut my teeth on trespassers and

Larcenists makes me cower from a timid

Hand, though I crave it and employ my own.

On my own. Where I finally unfurl, always

Facing the door.


Blayne Waterloo (they/she) is a horror writer and editor living in Georgia with their partner and loud dog.