Extinct

I'm not a dinosaur, though you tell me so.

I'm very much here, determined not to go.

You may aim your words like meteorites

Or hope I'll slink off and away in the night

But I'm very much a part of this world,

Am holding on grimly with my hands that curl.

I like to sit and spout home truths, which hook

And barb and fester; pierce you with a look -

You quail at the wisdom of the ancient crone

Whose seen it all, done it all and drives it home.

I hunt your loose opinions to maim

The youthful optimism they contain.

Shake them, tear them to pieces and devour:

I can't allow positivity to flower.

My domain must remain dark and spiteful

Thorny tangles with vines impenetrable;

Enter the jungle! You will become trapped

And I will ensnare you, in my jaws wrapped

Where I can chew you slowly bit by bit

And wear you down with my corrosive spit.

***

Your mottled skin, your tarnished breath, your eyes -

Bloodshot lasers to cut us down to size.

You are a monster in a monstrous shell

Demanding your respect, to be treated well -

But there's nowhere expansive with views so narrow

Your company so bleak it begins to harrow.

Top of the food chain is a lonely place-

You'd love people to come and share your space

But in this, you will find you are always beaten:

To survive, the good will avoid getting eaten.

They're looking outwards to much brighter things:

Like hot orbs from heaven, quickly descending

To rock your limited world, impact your sphere,

Telling you things that you won't want to hear,

Presenting you with a grander world view

Which may, in future, or may not include you.

Perhaps you'll survive if softer you become

Start singing a tune that we can all love

And from negativity try to sever

And brighten that flesh with colourful feathers.

For someone so wise, you are lacking instinct.

You're in danger, old bird, of becoming extinct.