Sacrifice

I freeze when they emerge: two cubs accompanying their mother out of the woods, nosing the lanky grass, their progress benign but intent. In another life, another form, I could have been a bear lumbering languidly across the wilderness seeking sustenance for my brood. Then and now, I mean no harm. Then and now, neither does she. Yet I know she would fight to the death for the innocence beside her; at the dawn of life, they know nothing but her protection.

I step backwards slowly, grip my whistle, close the door, and watch as they tear down the birdfeeder.

From Guest Contributor Faye Rapoport DesPres

For the prompt Frontier