Once Predator Twice Prey

Boldly you held out your hand with the sweetest of treats Graciously I lapped from your palm Unsuspecting of the one hidden behind your back Swiftly just before that hand was cleaned You’d had me snared and tied to a tree My vision was blurry and my howls were mute From the sweetness poisoning my tongue and throat The moon beckoned but I could no longer call For every night you would return with that treat glistening in your hand And you would smile as I’d ravenously slurped it away But one day I’d noticed you’d left me with a little less than before I’d craved more But the next night was still a little less than before Until one night you appeared before me empty handed My vision now clear I could see what was truly before me Not a man but a rabbit Not a predator of me but prey That’s when you realized your illusionary snare had faded away I would choose your fate today That’s when chase gave way and I watched you dive down the rabbit hole Thinking you’re so clever and bold But I was far wiser and much kinder I turned to the pile of dirt you’d shoveled out to make that hole And nudged it all carefully back into that empty space before sauntering away Leaving you to rest in peace