Red Riding Hood's Fate

He glides his eyes to one side of his head.
Awaiting her move it’s a hesitating glance.

He moistens his lips with eagerness.
Her pondering broken,
 she’s aware of his presence.

The dark coat,
 a huge mass,
 the jowls,
 canines sharp.
A snarl or a smile?

She bats her eyelids in helpless defence;
pulls her cloak close to her chest.

He glides closer, darkness covers hers.
She is aware now this wolf will devour her.

By Shirley Petri