The heron and the alligator

A gnarled old log

sits in an algae covered, stagnant Texan pool.

A pair of eyes emerge from the muck.

Yellow eyes enliven the rough hewn log.

The log drifts.

reptilian limbs emerge

Look closely!

There are scales.

eyes close

the scales dissolve back into sloth.

Lethargy personified!

Uncouth, rough, un cut.

a heron stalks unaware.

Elegant and carefully

Stalking fish,

the heron sees only its own dinner.

Eyes blink in the water.

The log transforms,

sprints into action.

A spurt of sinew, tendon, and scales

fast, determined, certain.

They fly and flash,

Feathers fly, snapped, caught,

heron limp.

The diner becomes dinner.