The last snarl

Death has crept behind

unseeing eyes.

You did not choose

this journey

of darkness,

this unfair fight

with nature’s course.

Death has not tamed you,

you do not smile,

you snarl your warning

exposing weapons

and yesterday’s blood.

Today you won’t be patrolling

in territorial fervour

nor parading -

emperor in regal tenure.

Today has stolen your crown.

Your light touch of stealth

now the heavy

impression

of unforgiving time.

And despite the baring of teeth,

the last snarl,

you become sustenance

of the prey

as the menu

begins to dine.