Sleeping Dogs

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Please let these sleeping dogs lie. 
They are barking inside my body 
Howling at the slightest sound and sight 
They are all shaken up, more bark than bite. 
They battle with the leash around their necks 
I have too many to carry, chafing and restraining
But I know if I let them go they will run amok
Tearing up bodies and running over cities 
So please let these sleeping dogs lie. 
On all fours my instincts are muzzled 
I’ll growl at enemies and friends alike 
They say you can’t teach an old dog new tricks 
But you can sure as hell teach it new trauma 
I’m so sick and tired of all of this drama 
I will retreat with my tail tucked between my legs
I don’t care about my pride or your toxic pack 
If I can leave this place, never come back. 
My senses are snarling, your face an awakening
Can you see that my hackles are raised? 
An outsider would say that I am whining, 
Tell me to shut up when am already afraid 
And yelling at them would be shouting at strays 
Who only know lawlessness, being untrained
I struggle already not to command this of them, 
So please- let these sleeping dogs lie.