I never knew I could be so unkind. Even now, seeing the body move in on itself, slow slink, shoulders stealing small breaths above the high grass rustling with hunger, I ripple with doubt.
Times like these, there is always a moment when you think the smaller thing might live. Skink, shrew, child-self wide-eyed & unknowing. You think it might, should, has to live.
I wake, pulling red from between my teeth. Times like these there is always a moment and then it passes.
I tell myself the kill is my survival. I steady the doubt.
I am ready, primed for the pounce. I am sharpening my edges. I am crouching in the grass. I am small again, thinking I might live.
I never knew I could be so unkind. Even now, seeing the body move in on itself, slow slink, shoulders stealing small breaths above the high grass rustling with hunger, I ripple with doubt.
Times like these, there is always a moment when you think the smaller thing might live. Skink, shrew, child-self wide-eyed & unknowing. You think it might, should, has to live.
I wake, pulling red from between my teeth. Times like these there is always a moment and then it passes.
I tell myself the kill is my survival. I steady the doubt.
I am ready, primed for the pounce. I am sharpening my edges. I am crouching in the grass. I am small again, thinking I might live.