HYENAS

Cackling uncontrollably,
a caucus of hyenas
strategizes,
condemning herd-folk
for slowness and stupidity.

Woo-hoo-hoo-ha-ha-ha

Laughing and loping,
they feast at others banquets.
Still restless,
unsated,
they stalk someones mother.
Powerful jaws grab the foot,
wantonly ripping flesh,
mindlessly crushing bone.
Next, they prey upon a careless
youngster, skillfully separating her
from her companions.

Woo-hoo-hoo-ha-ha-ha.

Returning home at daybreak,
they throw the bones
to their children,
priding themselves
on their family values.

                                                Judy G. Hansen