what would a lion write of the hunter?
what story would he tell – being hunted, did
he lead the hunter away from his pride?
did he sacrifice himself to save his bride?
what final thought went through his heart and head?
did he think himself brave or the coward
as he fled from the realization
of a predator’s predator, his own
predation coming with a crack of thunder,
hot searing of the full metal jacket
through tawny mane, perhaps, to his vital
organs – or tearing agape red vessels
whence flows that most precious of waters . . .
“I lived according to my nature,” says he.

dmpitchford 12/03/23