Panthers

Double covers even in the summer Make it easier to sweat than to sleep, And keep the fever dreams at peace. Like an ice cube always dissolving, Thin air and the night is calling Panthers hide somewhere in the shadows Beneath the fern vines and the Mossy screen, Lurking with yellow eyes To kill me with jealous teeth. Then I am blood and the coats Are laughing. So I fear your ancient shadows, Bent backs, and darkened pupils Playing down my curtained elbows, Leaning for a better view, Within, without, and through you From here to the empty moon Come all you panthers, Tooth and nail. A rocky path and a dusty trail.