the panther

i had a dream

woke up shaking

the moon breaking through the tress

and in the stillness of the evening

i heard a rustling in the leaves

and i saw a panther in the yard

moving slow across the ledge

with silver eyes and a cool regard

and hunger with a cutting edge

open the door

let it in

this mystery you found

it's all yours now

come lay the panther down

so i called the eagle and the raven said

my prayer to the sky with the moon as my witness

i looked the panther in the eye and beheld

his violent beauty

that cut so deep and hard

through my civilized indifference

and reckless disregard

so i open the door and let it in

this mystery i found is all mine now

time to lay the panther down