Autonomic
Antelope graze the savanna,
Without a care in the world,
For literal lack of imagination.
Languishing in a morning moment,
The herd simply enjoys its munching.
Something else wafts on air,
Some chemosignal delectably taboo.
Sweat beads trickle down his temples.
Savanna creatures pay no heed,
While mysterious molecules send and prime.
Stress triggers a downward spiral,
Hit as if hunted, not the hunter.
Amygdala on overdrive, panting,
Heart pumping to limbic arrhythmia.
Such dark surreal safari is unexpected.
Predator feared is no leopard, no cheetah.
May as well be his reflection in the mirror.
Elusive yet eventual, relentless - inevitable.
Calm now, as I elicit the parasympathetic.
I am a safe sacred space where you have come to rest.
-ARCantu, 05/22/2023
Copyright © Ann Cantu | Year Posted 2023
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