Ancient Rome became like that alligator
with its mouth open wide, swinging
east and west at a pack of lions
surrounding it near waters.

How long can you stay out
near the shore
and defend yourself
against hungry enemies?

It’s you or them,
and somebody has to eat.
If there ever was a time to prey pray, it is now.

Selected byNolcha Fox
Image credit:Clément ROY
Obed Ladiny

Obed Ladiny published four poetry books available at the Amazon website. He lives in Brooklyn New York. His works have appeared in Red Fez, In Between Hangovers, Torrid Literature Journal, Open Arts Forum, and more.