Gnashing teeth
stained red,
polished by,
a searching tongue.

Instincts on high alert,
nostrils flare,
tapetum gathers light,
searching the dark.

Ears perked,
stillness of muscle,
an odd calmness,
before the attack.

Hindquarters load,
the spring has sprung,
launching, teeth bite down,
crimson metallic Tang in the air