The Garden Raptor

[b][i]In an early morning autumnal fog,  a predator hunts in its Coniferous Kingdom for a substantial meal,

Triangular head,  alien eyes,  elongated green-winged body,  and formidable spiked forearms!

it's stealth,  ability to surprise,  and light-striking speed,  make it a menacing predator in the field!

Patrolling its royal hunting grounds,  the Ruler's tactical ambushes are now implemented and armed!

Hunting for anything on the menu,  an unfortunate Hummingbird in his grasp,  its fate sealed!

Struggling with its tow,  up the Castle's steep incline,  across its drawbridge,  carcass secured and harbored!

The King Raptor rejoices,  by taking a Victory Lap around its royal grounds,  but wait . . . an intruder is revealed!

A Female Mantis!  Potential foe or mate?  They begin to circle slowly,  then wrangle,  until a mating dance embarks!

Locked in a love grip and eroticised,  the sexual cannibal,  turns,  and beheads her mate,  in one fatal bite,  imperiled!

The destined Ruler,  assumes her dead King's Reign,  and the rearing of their offspring!

Hear Ye!  Hear Ye!  Hail!  Hail, to the Queen Matriarch!


E S. Houser