pacing wildly
to and fro

instinctively
seeking a
crack
or
open door

gazing into
the
curious eyes
of
onlookers
delighted
by my
neutered
majesty

i seethe
and
rage

ensnared for the
amusement
of others
i await
my
opportunity

this is no
life

and death
will likely
result
from my
few moments
of
freedom

but they will
also pay

alas
a mental
lapse

a handler
leaves ajar
the gateway
to
my
freedom

and my
demise

i embrace both

i leap
and
run
directionless
seeing prey
all about

genes
and
adrenaline
drive me

a man
poor soul
sipping coffee
enjoying his visit
to my
prison

i am
hungry

vice-like jaws
clamp shut
around his
his
throat
filled
with java
half swallowed

frenzied screaming

flailing
and battle
ensue
as the bitter
taste
of starbucks
mixes with
a crimson cocktail

life
drains slowly
away

along
with his
ebbing
weakening
terror

he falls limp
as
gunshots
disturb my
feast

i am dying

filled with lead
heart shredded
i have
willingly paid
the price
of
my liberation

i am at
peace

i
am
free