Anne’s Blog

This writing is based on a painting by Helen Frankenthaler entitled Green Likes Muave, 1972

I sit in the tall reedy grass. It is a hot afternoon.  The bayou sun beats down on my fur covered body.  Fortunately I am small enough that the shade of the grass keeps me cool and protected because right in front of me is the green alligator.  I have been trying to escape from him.  He stealthily makes his way through the murky black water, creating very little wake.  If I remember correctly he does that so we shoreline animals don’t detect his arrival.

The dragonflies and other insects quickly move out of his way.  I don’t think they are worried about getting eaten by this creature.  They move out of respect for his grand size.  

I can see the white, sharp teeth that stick out of his jaws.  He keeps his mouth open so he can grab a quick snack if one should become available.  His eye darts from side to side, scanning the area from the weak and unsuspecting prey.  

Although I know he holds no grudges against us shoreline creatures, he feels a great need to survive.  However, i do not wish to become the next meal on his path of survival.

I resist the urge to turn and run in the other direction.  Doing this would only draw attention to me and that could be a fatal mistake on my part.  So for now I remain absolutely still.  I wish I could warn the other creatures before it is too late; before those steely jaws are open and there is no escape.  I am hungry myself, but I am too scared.  There are tempting plants all around me, but if I make a sound, it could be my last.

So for now, I will sit here and wait for the alligator to disappear or forget about me.  Please, don’t anyone make a sound.