Love me, love me not

Over decades
men learn the lessons of the hearth
and become the fiercest of women
even the young rogues
cannot meet their gaze.

Having been told not to have those thoughts
warned about it
under the covers
they crave, fantasize and faun.
In public
they gaze with wistful eyes
and pursed mouths.

Inside is the bad dog
dangerous and deadly
notions in his head
guarding the house
but not allowed near.

Down in the well
nothing to eat but liver and gall
he wags his tail
yearns for a kind word
and sees light at the end
of his gun-barrel world.