Panther
I was Panther; I stalked
the night.
My prey were many, with fierceness
did I kill.
My home, branches high in
the jungle, none had seen.
Many were the weak who felt
my terror.
Many the strong who had fallen
to my tallons.
None escaped.
Then I saw it on a leaf.
Dew.
A drop, so delicate and beautiful.
But I said, "I am Panther,"
and moved on.
The shining drop fell to
my hide.
It swelled, filling me with...
feeling. Strange.
I padded on through the
jungle, but my eyes saw differently.
I do not understand. I am panther!
Then came men. They were
my friends!
Could they not see my great power?
What strange magic hid my sinuous strength from these men... and women.
I do not like living with
them.
But this is my home now. I must like it.
I will make myself like it.
For years I lived, content,
but not truly happy.
Then one day I came to a
pond, and felt the urge to take a drink.
Down to four paws, I stretched over the water to drink.
And felt again the bristling of my fur, grown soft among men.
I saw my reflection in the water--Panther!
One tear welled deep inside,
then fell from my eye into the water.
Once again I felt the fire burning deep inside.
The sleeper awakened!
I turned, feeling my growing
strength, and padded down the path,
returning to my home.