Equalizer

from the perspective of an officer, on the hunt

Frozen, crisp breeze intertwined with ragged

breath, the body of a sleek craft cutting

through that night

like the night when you took her away from the land of the living.

every single thing is a blur, a streak, other than

your face in sharp focus.

A sullen look, empty eyes. I should've known when we brought you in.

I can see you, whether you realize it or not.

Did you know that?

Even in the dark.

Flashlights darting across bark of the pine trees

furtive eyes, left and right.

The crunch of soft white snow underfoot 

like that of little broken white bones.

The heart races with anticipation and the muscles are tense.

The mind is clear.

Murmured words, the soft crackle of a walkie-talkie

no different than that of a wild berry bush in my mind.

Barking.

It's meant to disconcert you, you know?

To remind you that you're done.

The hounds take leaps and bounds, their eyes wide and white like that

bright white sheet of absolution that will smother you.

You know enough about smothering, don't you?

We're close. 

I can hear your heartbeat.

The hounds are now circling that cabin

like so many vultures of the shroud.

They are scavengers, but I am the hunter.

I am the one that will go for your throat, for the kill.

The breath pulls as it goes down, spiked and sharp.

Whether it be the snap of cold cuffs or the snap of a neck gone cold,

the hand of justice will remain firm.

I light upon each step in rapid succession

and pull from my hip that sweet whip that will coerce you on to life

or death. Do not tempt the peacemaker.

I don't need another reason to crush the head of a snake.