The Animal

• Mia Cook, Grade 11, John Forrest Secondary College -
• Poetry
• 2018

Excellence Award in the 'Write Along 2018' competition

The Animal prowls through the green,
small creatures cower as it treads.
Others hope to not be seen,
as The Animal's keen eyes rip the forest to shreds.

The Animal catches a glimpse of potential prey,
and licks its lips preparing for attack.
As catching a meal is mere child's play,
The Animal hastily finishes its snack.

The Animal lies sunbathing on a rock,
sternly contemplating the view from above.
The Animal watches other creatures like a hawk,
a ruler of the forest, its heart filled with no love.

But who is The Animal, so stern and strong,
the fiercest and most selfish beast?
Why, it has been a human being all along,
with a hunger for power that will never decrease.