They study the loins
of lions and leopards.
how these lie in wait for the herds
then circle round them in chase
till they've cut one off from the rest
and then, in a pack of their own,
pounce upon the hapless one.
See how they focus on the kill
the lion's jaws upon the bison's throat
throttling it with professional skill.
What do they care about
the bloodiness of it all, guts spilled
across the screen.
What's essential to them is what's seen.
And who's to parry the obscene?
You, gazelle, be quick on your feet!
Do not forever be in retreat
but do not, like the bison, roar.
Graze on. Then with the given
grace of your lord and maker
slake them, slay them, and never waver.
March 23, 2003