FEEDING THE PANTHER
© 1993 by Carl Tronco

She stretches before me with hungry eyes
and a grace that promises to devour me body and soul
Firm in the face of her threatening charm
I too am a hunter

We understand each other this panther and I
the tedious politics of seduction set aside
as two predators share a meal by candlelight
The ceremony begins…

A sensual strike and blood is drawn
It oozes down our necks
Startled at the sight of our own blood we retreat
then clash again with renewed rage

Red on red together swirl until three shades emerge
and we collapse panting
Breathless
Shaken
Renewed

There are those who would chain a panther
Tame her
Destroy her
But I would rather feed her
and watch her glide away

I have a feeling
We’ll hunt again.