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
Copyright © | Year Posted 2020

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