Giant Anacondas

Giant Anacondas


As the red Panamanian sun descends
a raucous, cacophonous chorus
rises from a cluster of chestnut and black jacanas
roosting in the jacaranda trees.

Infused in the evening breeze
is the scent of mimosa, magnolia and mango.
Inhaling this sweet aphrodisiac
revives, rejuvenates and invigorates.

High above the verdant canopy,
silhouetted against the deepening azure,
frigate birds and hawks circle and soar,
riding the rising thermals, ever ready
to plummet
at the first sign of prey.

Mangrove marshes energize
at sunset as twilight glistens
on the submerged greenish-brown scales
of giant anacondas
in the shallows anticipating prey.

Like painted canvases
they exhibit large black dorsal spots
and lateral spots with light yellow centres.
Excellent camoflage, deadly beauty.

Eyes and nostrils high on their snouts
protrude above the surface of the swamp
as forked tongues shoot in and out assessing the air
for the scent of prey within striking range.

Evening menu features cinnamon teal,
conceivably, a caiman cruising unawares,
possibly, a tapir pausing for a drink
or, an anaconda mating partner.

As the red Panamanian sun descends
death strikes deep in the Gamboan swamps.
Witnessing it is a cluster of chestnut and black jacanas
roosting in the jacaranda trees.