A wolf when

raised by dogs

forever

is a wolf

 

A banker once

he’s crossed the line

can never

steal enough

 

Aristocrats

their titles 

banned

in practice stay elite

 

A dilettante

who’s been exposed

is then declared

effete

 

An arrow

with its feathers gone

when fired

 lethal still

 

A grizzly bear

that’s been declawed

his teeth

remain to kill

 

A judge

without a jury

still hands

a sentence down

 

A clown

without a circus

can yet

erase a frown

 

A cop

without a badge

will chase you

till you’re caught

 

A Nun

without her habit

plain clothed

— in virtue walks

 

(Thank You Gertrude: December, 2025)