The Decision Poem by Renu Beri

Camouflaged in the lush green grass,
Confidently gripping the rifle in his hand,
He spied the widely notorious crocodile,
That seemed to lie peacefully in the sand.

The dreaded face aroused fear and repulsion,
The armoured body adept to water and land,
The strong, thick tail swished at intervals,
A horrendous creature- but appearance grand.

His reputation as a protector was widespread,
He felt the fear and hope on every pallid face,
Immediately he came in aid of the villagers,
When they begged to rid them of the menace.

He turned to the group at the river's edge,
Animatedly pointing to the thick-skinned reptile,
Silently urging him to rid them of the predator,
That ruined their lives with its strength and guile.

He looked again at the awesome creature,
Completely unaware of the impending danger,
It killed neither in animosity nor for revenge
Its ruthlessness was to pacify its pangs of hunger

Understanding pierced his hardened heart,
Quick deliberations led to a fateful decision.
He took careful aim; a shot broke the silence,
The surprised crocodile dived beyond vision.
.
His lifeless hand stretched beneath the rifle,
Warm blood oozed from a hole in his head,
Unable to kill the magnificent creature,
He had taken his own life instead.