Spring Trajectory

A bright green grasshopper clings to a broad clover stalk two inches above the turf. Rigid posture. Decisive inspection. I take one deliberate step forward, parting the damp grass blades with my talon. I lower my heavy snout within an inch of its folded hind legs. Sudden snap. The creature launches four feet across the lawn in a steep, unbroken arc. Kinetic force verified. It touches down squarely on a broad dandelion leaf and resets its joints. I tilt my head. I hold my stance low against the sod, watching the clover stem spring back into place. Next trajectory pending.