You held your head high

and stomped through their alley,

your heels dragged trash on their ground.

As they reached for your neck

and squeezed it just right,

you still wouldn’t turn back around.

Each step was a struggle

with their claws digging deeper; 

you refused to bargain for peace.

As your sweat burst through pores

and their fingers slid open

you finally got your release.

You looked at your foes

their eyes drowned in despair,

and a thought surged its way through:

they reached for your hand,

but you stuck up your chin

so your neck was the part they held to.