The waterhole

In another incarnation:

The heat is indescribable...waves of heat rising from the dusty red soil, disorienting. My head swings from side to side as my front paws and powerful haunches propel me forward.....slowly though....slowly in this heat since there is nothing to interest me here...no prey.....
no mate....

I am alone.....

Mate...I am in heat.

I remember what it is that brings me out of the shade on a day like this
Mate

He is near.....I smell his trail.....
I throw my head back and roar.... a tuneless sound that strikes fear into all of the creatures that are hiding nearby, but will carry to the ears of the big male that lounges, waiting for me to announce that I am ready....he will hear it and it will be music to his ears.....

I roar again, swishing my tail...my haunches are carried a bit higher now......and I walk a bit differently......when I find him, or when he finds me.... all the flamingos will fly, all the chattering birds will scatter......

I lower my head to the waterhole, where the long legged delicious creatures drink....but they are of no interest to me today.....I glance their way and lower my head to lap the water once more....
bored with food
bored with the chase....
I call
I pace
I wait