Black and White

Ahhh, the perfect grass.
Just right for me, Zebra.
Long, smooth, crunchy.
Who would have known it was my last meal.
Grazing the vast field.
The copper sun shines upon the glimmering grass.
I hear the nearby vulture crowing, searching for a tasty carcass.
I’m grateful that won’t be me.
Pleasant, calm, atmosphere.
Peaceful, no reason to be alert.
Then,
A rustle, a deep growl, a pounce,
Headed straight for me.
Then, pain,
Piercing my stomach,
Again and again.
I try to fight back, but know I have no chance.
The end of my world, a mess of black, white, tan, and red.
Once again, I hear the crows of the vulture again.
The faint cry becomes louder as the bird swoops closer.
I moan, and give myself up.
I feel each muscle go limp, until, finally my heart,
Dies too.
My last thought is,
Goodbye.

- Rebecca Larson