Crocodile Smile

I had occasion recently on my daily walks to and from the beach, to cross a river and thus to strike a casual acquaintance with crocodiles: you know, the ones that live in murky waters showing only their craggy backs imitating driftwood. These denizens of warm waters move slowly but thoughtfully, it feels, and their fearsome eyes like clouded jade appear to see far more than a blur. Their slow moving manner hints at the latent energy lurking hungrily beneath the surface and their habit of sinking slowly out of sight while keeping an eye on you, says much. But what, is the secret.  Oh yes, they make sounds but these are infrequent and warn gutturally to stay away or come along. You never know with crocs. I know people that remind me of the cunning croc. They have that enticing smile and charming lethal tone that enthralls and draws you in - for the kill. They implant their tiny poisons that eat away inside you subtlely and painlessly so that you are unware of the effects until it is too late. The small  hints that grow into suspicions to eat you from the inside out, the veiled insults cooed into your ear are like the hiss of a viper before it strikes and are designed for the ultimate but delayed kill. Although animals not in the least related, as my good friend warns, the polar bear smiles.