We come upon the lionesses’ kill
After the giraffe’s mouth
Has been clenched tightly shut
His nostrils sealed in the lioness’ jaws
His breathing and suffering ended
His world forever still.
The giraffe’s soft ears and lips
Are awarded to the matadors
And chewed off first
Then the lionesses
Rip the giraffe’s soft belly opened
Eating his tender heart and organs
Emptying the giraffe’s stomach and intestines
Of leaves and fecal matter
Shared with vultures
Digging into his thighs
Munching off neck cartilage
Leaving only ribs for jackals
On the very day the Mayan’s predicted
His world would end,
Centuries before his birth