Boiling Milk

In a state of precaution Minding the straw on the camel's back Vigilant for the slightest motion Ready for an unforeseen attack Playing extra time with sudden death Red alert at all times On the watch with bated breath A stitch in time saves nine Soft, yet striking Off-the-cuff, yet in arrears Silent, yet seething Fragile, yet fierce It's like boiling milk Suddenly it will erupt No warning whatsoever This build-up will at last let up And relieve this strained endeavour Realizing once again With a hint of embarrassed guilt Admitting this effort was all in vain While cleaning the stove of milk