He stops his hunt for bugs at our approach.

Stands stock still.

Strikes a pose and holds it waiting for us to pass.

Hopes we haven’t noticed him, a shade lighter than the leaves.

Hopes we extend him the mercy he does not afford the insects and beetles that stand stock still at his approach.

Those that lack the ability to blend in are snatched up quickly, gobbled up whole and disappeared.

He is not a link in my food chain and I do not hunt for fun, so I pretend not to see him as he pretends he has the power to gobble me up, wish me away, make me disappear.