BEFORE I LEAVE MY CAVE THIS MORNING

I must warm my callused, cold hands

between the fleshy warm thighs

of a woman as big as my prey.

It keeps me strong all day long

She’s more lusty than skinny ladies

hunkered down behind stalactites

in this cave I call home.

I sharpen my knives and spears

to chase after wild cattle,

saber tooth tigers and red deer—

more food is never enough

to feed so many hungry mouths.

I run as fast as I can.

I have responsibilities.