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