I am a sheep
at a conference on bullying.
I'm presenting with my partner
in front of other sheep, teaching
assertive (not aggressive) formulae
for fending off wolves.

Having garnered the attention of the flock,
I launch into this spiel about the tendency
of wolves to be indirect
and subtle when they bully.
Very effective.

Suddenly I see a straggler! Gawking!
At something behind me.
Then another.
Giggles bleat out in stifled, piggish snorts from
more vagabonds! I quickly realize that half the audience
has contracted hoof-stuffed-over-mouth disease.
All focus is split:
this meeting has gone astray.

I turn to my partner for help-

His eyebrows: lift, to the center
of his forehead. His bottom lip:
furrows, to a mock frown. His eyes:
askance, in an upward gaze.
His pointed ears:
tinged red.
A cub's look of guilt.

Boy, did I feel sheered.