I sat on the mountainside

while the sun sat on my back.

The valley was dry

except for a narrow creek,

where a herd of sheep

quenched their thirst

and an hungry cougar

rested between them and me.

My eyes darted from sheep

to cat… wondering when it

would attack. As a little one

wandered, her mother not aware,

the cat raced until it caught

the lamb by just a hair.

I watched in horror as the poor lamb

raced away. Going faster, faster,

faster than anyone can.

But after a few minutes

the lamb slowed down…

and as the cat pounced

on her back, I saw

the most amazing thing.

The lamb turned on her side

and threw her head back.

Without a cry, as if to say:

I offer you my life

so that you may live another day.

The cat feasted on the lamb

and thanked her for being his prey.

© 2008 Sara Coslett