You are in the presence of a dangerous woman,
one unashamed of her blood--
I'll smear it on your fucking face.
Unafraid of my own voice--
I'll use any voice I want (maybe steal yours)
Unapologetic for my rage--
consequences
You've been warned
(a million times, yes, I know)
Flouting with bravado how flippant
you can be in the face of danger,
taunting it like the world's
worst show-off casting
his own shadow
on a caged lion.
Come closer, little boy.
Make faces at me,
jeer and sneer in my face, expecting
everything to keep the stasis
you're so infatuated with.
I anticipate with glee
the shock and blood on your face
when you come too close to my bars
and my claws find the space between,
slashing out loud,
shaming you.
🦁
*Author note: “casting his own shadow” was stolen on the spot from Caitlin Charlton’s thoughtful comment and edited in immediately. Love at first sight with that phrasing. If I win anything, I promise to tip out.
About the Creator
Harper Lewis
I'm a weirdo nerd who’s extremely subversive. I like rocks, incense, and witchy stuff. Intrusive rhyme bothers me. Some of my fiction might have provoked divorce proceedings in another state.😈
MA English literature, College of Charleston
Reader insights
Outstanding
Excellent work. Looking forward to reading more!
Top insights
Easy to read and follow
Well-structured & engaging content
Heartfelt and relatable
The story invoked strong personal emotions
On-point and relevant
Writing reflected the title & theme
Compelling and original writing
Creative use of language & vocab
Excellent storytelling
Original narrative & well developed characters
Masterful proofreading
Zero grammar & spelling mistakes
Keep reading
More stories from Harper Lewis and writers in Poets and other communities.
Comments (21)
That line about “casting his own shadow on a caged lion” really stuck with me, because it captures that exact mix of anger and amusement you get when someone thinks they’re fearless, but they’re just reckless. The way you turn the whole poem into a warning that feels almost playful, like you’re daring them to test you, made me feel the power behind the words. I also loved the part where you admit the phrasing came from a comment—there’s something really human and honest about that, like writing is this shared thing, not a solitary act. Did you ever feel like the poem was also a way of reclaiming space after being underestimated or dismissed?
Awesome imagery!
All hail the lioness; fantastic work, Harper! Congratulations on your top story and for making this week's leadership board❣
Wooohooooo congratulations on your Leaderboard placement! 🎉💖🎊🎉💖🎊
congrats on leaderboard placement
Well done at Leaderboarding. No need for waterboarding and another type of boarding I just forgot about.
Yesss! You had me with blood smearing, this is great!
Love this. And love that Caitlin inspired you. Congrats on top story!
Great description of the lioness, thankyou for sharing and congratulations on Top Story xx
uuuu so scary :) deep real Congratulations on Top story !
Queen of Vocal! Congrats on Top Story!
This is great, Harper. It's a poetic threat. And for me, the moment it took on a real sense of menace when you called 'me' little boy. Love it! ⚡💙 Bill⚡
CONGRATS TOP STORY🩷💙💚💛🧡❤️ 🩷💙💚💛🧡❤️ 🩷💙💚💛
Boldly written, beautifiul peice.
Love the power!! Congrats on another TS. 💜
💖 This is written in such an unapologetic way! I particularly loved your choice of diction. The alliteration in "flouting and flippant" gives the poem a sharp, percussive edge. By using italics, you forced me to focus on the rawest parts of your voice; you ensured nothing was understated.
It amazes me where our minds go for these prompts. Such a fierce and unique entry. A great example of how to unleash words with authority! Best of luck!
This hits hard, raw, fearless, and unapologetic. The imagery feels dangerous in the best way, like power finally done being quiet.
You really captured that feeling of being underestimated and the strength that comes from a person's own power. The lion metaphor is a great way to show that boldness.
You stand your ground and be yourself
Ayyyyyyy this fire.