Footsteps of a Sparrow

I watch colors distort into dots tiptoeing on the white wall Black target expands—engulfs— flitting between rear and front sight Blood drums in my ears—tides I ride with breath held shallow It hums, the shadow— taunts with broken birdsongs It knows, all it takes is a skipped heartbeat for a sniper to fall Countdown. Lens focusing into center breaths narrow into blade, inhale— The world refined to a single shot resting in the barrel— Exhale. A light tap on the trigger— a sparrow’s footprint on fresh snow— silent, sudden, the sound catches up after the recoil sends a shock to spinal cords That’s when chirps falter into echo