The Rabid Republic
I'm at the waterhole
Snow falling relentlessly
Gazing out the window
at the frozen self
My fellow species
crawling by in cars, bipeds,
a wing and a prayer
All must traverse this ancient trail
Like wildebeests
Relentlessly
Rain, hail or faltering precipice
I'm at the waterhole
Gazing relentlessly
when the jackals descend en masse
Like theirs, my eyes swivel
Watch for the weakest link
It is a small black lynx
Shocked by the white
Stunned when the first
snow bomb hits his flanks
his sudden mob of face
Scenting the piss of fear
the jackals are joined by their mates
from a nearby estate
The beautifully formed ebony prince
Turns
Makes to run
Fends off
Slips
Semi escapes
Gesticulates
Is tripped
And they are in
With punches and kicks
Slinking away in the sleet
Wired up and smirking
at this great feat
Devouring the heart of his pride
on which they will feast for a week
I'm at the waterhole
Stomach churning at this rabid Republic
The particular stench of rapine and avarice
@ Paul Larkin
Baile Átha Claith
Nollaig 2010