Lucy Martin
Highly Commended, Junior Category (11-14 years)

Confined

He bares his teeth
But with terror etched into his face

His muscular hind legs ready to spring
But only in fear of consequence if he doesn’t

His foreboding teeth tell you to run
But his eyes beg you to stay

His thin body perched on a grey pedestal
Anything to sate his hunger

He stands tall and proud
But reluctant to try a first step

Panting, he reaches for freedom,
Only to be burned with the expectation of his imprisoned life

He watches you pass by
Never free from his tiled prison