Lion's Meal

The lion creeps forward
eyes fixed upon his prize
he seems frozen in time
he takes in a deep silent breath
filling his nostrils,
yes he was up wind

he drew his body as though hugging the ground
his shoulder blades protruded with each step
slowly, meticulously each step draws him closer
the tawny grass hides his presence
he moves forward silently,

then

down to the ground
holding his breath, has he been noticed
he diverts his eyes to the male zebra
he had not been seen

the male zebra stomps the ground
as he snorts steam flies from his nostrils
the mares and and young stir from their grazing
heads up they look to the male
he is their leader and protector
he would give a warning signal
they all turn back to their grazing
the male zebra was determined
not to lose a single mare or foal this season

The lion moved forward again
he had made his pick
a two week old foal
it seemed to have a limp
he could make the cut and bring it down
as long as the male zebra
did not see him and
give out a warning
early detection could cost him a much needed meal

The lion had not eaten in three days
and the energy expelled at this time
could cost him his life
if he failed

he was close enough now to spring
the drool hung to the ground at the anticipation

he sprang to life in a fury

the male zebra threw his head with a snort
gave a stomp
as the herd raised their heads and took to the wind
the lion was already upon them

he made his cut
turning the young zebra from its mother's side
running for its life --
three strides out on the run
he swipe at the haunches
in one swift movement the foal was down

he quickly grab it by the throat
the rest the heard stopped short of an all out run
they knew the chase was over
nothing could be done now

he held his grip until the foal lay still
he would live yet another day