Deer perks up stares around in all directions.

Fails to see

The Lion in the Distance.

Deer presumes feeding.

Lion moves

paw by paw

devouring the Earth with delicate steps.

Every method of skulk and treasured

jewellery feet.

 

Claws clip and

chance the branches

fallen a million

years before

and now the shadow

of death resembles sunlight.

 

What animals think is of some concern.

Can deer feel guilty?

 

The deer looks guilty

and the lion leaps forward.

 

A straggle of bone and claw,

a growl and a whisper.

 

Sunken lion tooth

deer flesh sags

opens up clean

deer in a heap.

 

The lion keeps a chew.

 

He almost didn't get him.