Gator

a few steps toward the pond
I see a protusion  -  water breeched by an Oligocene vision
wide eyed face carved by rugged millenniums
his view locked & focused onto mine
those pupils narrowed with daggers of possibility
I am quietly humbled knowing
he has the advantages
he could outswim
outbite 
outrun me
could that be a smirk across those gator lips


submerged & shrouded by calm murky water
water that has surely felt the churning turbulence of death
with a mouth that could surgically unzip me
a mouth that could make me scream insanely
   fanatically louder for GOD than religion or sex ever taught
I snapped photo after photo
with my eyes trying to read his intension
he respected our boundary even as I had crossed into his
this becomes a circular non sequitur self argument
this reptile built of prehistoric instincts & fast short distance speed
& jaw muscles of a jackhammer
did I buy the extended warranty for the camera…
     Abbe