Keep Poking the Tiger. I Dare You.

Ever have a day
Where people poked and prodded?
Not caring of your mood
Deciding you’re too docile
To act beyond a snarl
Breathing comes in heavy bursts
Red edges all you see
Still they carry on
Verbal sticks upon your fur
Coaxing you into a rage
Growling goes unheared
So you slink away to hide
Curling up and waiting
Silently daring them to poke again
Incurring your predatory wrath

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About Charles Yallowitz

Charles E. Yallowitz was born, raised, and educated in New York. Then he spent a few years in Florida, realized his fear of alligators, and moved back to the Empire State. When he isn't working hard on his epic fantasy stories, Charles can be found cooking or going on whatever adventure his son has planned for the day. 'Legends of Windemere' is his first series, but it certainly won't be his last.
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49 Responses to Keep Poking the Tiger. I Dare You.

  1. anmol's avatar howanxious says:

    I can totally relate.
    A well-written poem.. I absolutely liked it.

    Like

  2. gimpet's avatar gimpet says:

    This is my family’s MO!

    Like

  3. Ellespeth's avatar Ellespeth says:

    Won’t touch this one – LOL! It’s great, Charles.
    Ellespeth

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  4. Bradley Corbett's avatar Green Embers says:

    Yup. My oldest sister loved to do this to me. She would torment me and I would just keep ignoring her until I hit my breaking point, then boy I sure screamed, lol.

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  5. I had one of those days yesterday. today was better, thank heavens!

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  6. The warning signs of a huge roar are there. Try not to bite the pokers.

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  7. Ry Summers's avatar Sahm King says:

    Sometimes, you just have to draw your sword.

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  8. Daniel Trump's avatar danieltrump says:

    You describe some of my worse days perfectly, unfortunately I sometimes find it difficult to slink away & hide….

    Like

  9. Georgia's avatar Bastet says:

    Yes…happens when I’m feeling pretty in harmony with myself actually…seems like there are certain persons that just can’t tak that…

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  10. I have had whole weeks of days like that!

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  11. L. Marie's avatar L. Marie says:

    Monday through Fridays for me.

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  12. TamrahJo's avatar TamrahJo says:

    YES! But you are more generous than I – my ditty is as follows:
    {Poke}
    Please Stop
    { Poke – sharpen stick – Poke}
    Please Stop
    {Poke}
    Snarl, Roar, BITE!
    {Whine} “Why are you so mean? I was just poking with a stick – you’re awful”
    {Licking chops} Lunchtime!

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    • Good one. I tend to blow up a lot, but I’ve been trying not to. It only accomplishes me being left alone, but too angry to do anything.

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      • TamrahJo's avatar TamrahJo says:

        I wouldn’t necessarily consider this blowing up – funny thing about those who poke with sharp sticks, they howl like they’ve been shot when someone kindly points out they are poking….
        🙂
        This is usually followed by a hot and defensive lecture on why they are entitled to poke –
        Lunchtime can be summarized as:
        “I heard you and you are welcome to continue in your poking activities as long as they are far away from me.” LOL

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      • Lunchtime for me is typically roaring and screaming at them to leave me alone. Definitely the angry tiger path for me.

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      • TamrahJo's avatar TamrahJo says:

        I hear ya – I reach louder/harsher when the quiet, calm requests are ignored…..
        🙂

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      • I always seem to get pushed to that level.

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  13. Hi There Charles,
    Very interesting, Will it be the “poke the tiger in the eye” strategy. They are far outgunned and outmatched when it comes to a war, so why do they provoke? They better hope someone makes peace, or they are in for some real pain.
    Great Job!

    Like

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