The Hymn of the Hunted

Rat a tat tat, rat a tat tat, rat a tat tat.

There they are- they’re back!

Don’t make me come over there.

Cos I will and when I do, Jack will just stand

and stare and say, “what’s that?”

I stand tall- no matter what.

My eyes are still, they hold your gaze.

You look away, though not for long. Our

eyes meet again and you realize

I’m one tough nut.

The quickening of your breath is met with

a slight tremble and, I know you realize the

gravity of the situation. Your trigger rises

ready to fire, then slowly falls. You

see my pride through the haze

I growl, you jump, they stay back. Your

breath is held- waiting for my lead.

As night advances, you retreat.

I bring my cubs close, giving a reassuring

nudge. Deep down, we all know we have

been taught to love. Maybe in the end we’ll

all have what we need.

Click clack, click clack.

As the sun rises, we hear you load up.

You spook upon hearing my yawn.

My impatient growl and nod say

“get back Jack.”

You nod as your finger slips.

We are ready for our day.

We go far far away.

Not to worry though.

You seem to have lost your grip.

Now we are back.

Your scent, your gaze, and your harm are gone.

Did we scare you away Jack?

For now, it seems as if we have won.

Rat a tat tat.

That’s the end of that.