Swamp Stalker
Apex No Longer

A sequel haiku to…
Unknown to mankind
An ancient, starved snake god
Haunts the steaming mists
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It’s maw opened wide
As honed venomous fangs drip
Awaiting it’s prey
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Slithering through swamp
Barely stirring a ripple
Watery surface
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Hunger pangs gnawing
Wary game leaves quietly
Knowing death doth lurk

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Dappled beams of light
Seek the watery surface
Reflecting on dark
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As beams weave through boughs
Dense, moss laden, ancient trees
Jut from damp gravesite
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Algae strewn morass
Gives precarious purchase
As mud sucks beneath
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Human hunter comes
Certain of his own safety
Blithely unaware
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Spotting a gator
Rifle raised, sights down barrel
Apex predator

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Victory certain
Prize trophy sunning on log
The huntsman smiles
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Silent Snake God stalks
Rearing up from beneath feet
Coils constricting
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Latching onto prey
Dragging his meal down under
Gaseous bubbles pop
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Beneath putrid cool
The hunter become hunted
Final scream drowned out
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Sacrifice taken
Sated, Snake God takes his time
To savor each bite

About the Creator
Andrew C McDonald
Andrew McDonald was a 911 dispatcher for 30 yrs with a B.S. in Math (1985). He served as an Army officer 1985 to 1992, honorably exiting a captain.
https://www.amazon.com/Killing-Keys-Andrew-C-McDonald-ebook/dp/B07VM843XL?ref_=ast_author_dp




Comments (1)
I love you haikus. You just may have inspired me to do another haiku story