The blazing African sun
beats down on the lonely gazelle
standing at the watering hole
under the mighty acacia tree.

After long minutes of checking
making sure all is quiet and still.
She bends her head down
to take a long drink
from the cool, refreshing water
leaving herself completely defenseless

Her ears perk up
She raises her head

as her predator stalks down the mighty acacia tree

His coat,
tan and orange
Speckled with black spots and rings

His tail,
erect,
pointing towards the blazing African sun

His claws,
Digging into the bark
with ridiculous power

His fangs,
sharp as a meat cleaver
stained red from his last meal

The cheetah leaps from his perch
firmly landing on the hard ground of the savannah

The gazelle sprints away
running for cover
for refuge
for her life

Her predator
walks slowly toward his prey
speeding up every few strides
Adrenaline
flowing through his veins

The Chase Is On