The swamp is always so peaceful just before dawn. Even the insects seem to have gone to sleep. The only ones awake are the duck that just landed and me. I watch the duck and see the ripples on the water. I hear the flapping and…

Whooey! That big gator came up and swallowed that duck whole. With hardly a splash. Barely a ripple is left on the water. Ha! Ha! That was something. It’s why I’m out here though, ain’t it. Toss the body into the swamp and let the gators get it. Nobody’ll ever know what happened to ‘em but me. And the gators. I laugh again.

Then, I frown. It’s just a matter of time. One day, the gators will get me. Whether I outlive my usefulness to the boss and he tosses me into the swamp or I just have one misstep. One simple misstep.

I laugh again. No use worrying about a future that might happen. What did the good book used to say? Let the day worry about itself? Or something like that. Not that I’ve read it lately. I mighta even tossed it into the swamp a long time ago. I laugh again.

Well, it’s time to get the job done. This body ain’t gonna toss itself into the swamp.

“Heave ho! Have a great breakfast gators!”

I watch as the body sinks. Just a little bit. Not that it matters. The gators’ll get it. Soon. And they won’t get me. At least not today.

It’s so peaceful here in the swamp at dawn. Just the sound of the water rippling around the oars. No need to start the motor this morning. No need to disturb the peaceful swamp.