Animal Instincts

 

In turns they approach one another, 

First domesticated,

Then feral.

She tosses him a morsel,

Which he eyes with suspicion 

Before snatching it up to scurry away 

And blink from the shadows.

He leaves her a tidbit; 

She shivers at the enticement. 

For the briefest of moments, 

She trusts.  

They do not scratch or bite. 

They nuzzle, 

Then run off to separate dens

To lick phantom wounds that still bleed.

She nibbles; he watches, 

Sizing up intentions,

Waiting for a sign. 

They edge close, 

One inch at a time, 

Then lunge at one another

In a desperate attempt to

Connect, 

Feel, 

Throb, 

Meld. 

He takes a step back so as not to scare; 

She startles at the motion,

Poised to bolt.

They forage around in the same meadow,

Aware of where on this vast expanse they each hunt. 

There is but one prize they both eye with desire. 

Darling creatures, be

Brave,

Seize,

Share,

Feast.

Copyright DJ Anderson, 2022