Eyes thinning as the windows mist
from hurried breaths,
car hums patiently
and knuckles whiten,
steering wheel gripped as if it
were the neck of their quarry.

They stare into the rear view mirror,
a doorway watched for signs of motion,
surrounding world as still
as an unrippled pond.

Whispers under bated breath,
the seconds being counted like
a mantra for all time,
they ready themselves a coiled
fox, the pounce approaching,
the stress screeching
throughout their mind,
circling and rolling behind
white hot eyes,
they know the enemy
shall pay in full.