Impending Taxidermy

I wasn't hunting you
but you wandered into a clearing
and into my sights
blinking - curious - sensing danger
and I waited patiently
for a clear shot.

You moved forward, back, and forward again.
Testing - frightened - intrigued.
I coaxed you gently
and enticed you deceitfully,
all the while
adrenaline
pumping through my weapon.

When the music ended
and the wicked primal dance was done,
we had explored each other
as much as fear would allow,
and found that we fit together
as we cuddled on the Earth's soft floor.
Your heat was healing
against the cold steel of my skin.

I am not sure yet
if you actually took the bait.
And I do not know yet
if I will pull the trigger.

But I know
I am still loaded.