Its breath is like a growl,
I stand hidden and watch,
My eyes wide and chest still,
petrified but in total awe,
It's claws scrape across the dirt,
and its steps shake the ground,
I shake and pray it can't smell fear.

It's nose trickles acrid smoke,
As it snorts and tastes the air,
Its red eyes narrow as it bares teeth,
The scent of prey achingly close by,
It arches it back, unfurls its wings,
Beating them with brutal power,
Taking it heavenwards with terrifying grace.