Dear virile Hunter,

I watch you, surveying your landscape.

A dimly lit club. The music pulsates, as youth gyrate lustfully.

The neon lights glimmer, reflecting off supple vernal skin.

Even though you prowl from the shadiest of corners-

I see you.

Do you see my hazel, watchful eyes?

I see your anticipation.

I see your excitement.

I see the doe you have chosen to hunt.

I see the rage, concealed within the depths of your eyes.

Oh, sharp Hunter!

I hear the clink of your ring, as you nervously tap your glass.

Rolling the ice about your tongue, and crushing it between your teeth.

The pace of your heart quickens as you approach your delicate prey.

The chivalrous cadence of your voice, as you offer her an emerald colored libation-

I hear you.

Do you hear the click of my ever-present heels?

I hear your boyish charm.

I hear your seductive tone.

I hear the deceptive lies that you whisper in her ear.

I hear the doe’s playful rejection.

I know this is when the true hunt begins.

You are a hunter of skill-

Of patience.

A mastermind of creative opportunity.

You stalk her, listening for your moment.

And so, the moment comes.

As she succumbs to the venomous potion, you so graciously provided for her.

Now I see her long gangly legs stumble off the dance floor.

You have separated her from her herd.

Another poor lost doe.

Another trophy for your private collection.

Oh, proud Hunter!

You lure your prey into the dark alley-

To feast upon the spoils of your victorious hunt.

You force her soft malleable body up against the cold rigid brick.

Viciously ripping at her clothing, to unsheathe your bounty.

You hungrily slide your tongue across her quivering lips.

Her arms flail incoherently, as she slips further into a state of unconsciousness.

Oh, inattentive Hunter!

Do you not sense me in the shadows?

I speak to you.

I hover right behind you-

Humming my bewitching song to your ear.

The melody slithers about in your mind, and your senses are overcome.

You turn to face me, and with no words you follow.

Oh, senseless hunter!

You follow my enchanting shadows through the streets.

You catch captivating glances of my smile-

And, they guide you like bread crumbs down my path.

You do not even question where your feet are leading you.

Oh, foolish hunter!

You believe I am yours for the taking.

That you will overpower me, once you have me in the darkness of the woods.

I assure you my dear hunter, that it is not I, who should fear the blackness of the forest.

Oh, panicked hunter!

As your senses return, and you smell the smoke of the bonfire.

It burns high in the pale moonlight.

The howl of a wolf in the distance.

Your eyes flittering about, as you focus on the gory altar that lay before you.

You smell the rustic metallic bloody remnants of hunters’ past.

I smell the unmistakable urine stench of fear that runs down your leg.

You writhe, trying to unclasp your hands from behind you.

Oh, defenseless hunter!

I have watched you.

I know you.

I have hunted you-

And now you are my sacrifice.

My knife, now carves at your chest.

The sigil of my goddess will rest deep within your breast.

I call to her, Great Artemis-

True Hunter and our protector.

Your blood will be a reminder-

To all those that dare to hunt.

For you see, I am the witch of this wood-

I protect my home and hearth.