jaguar sleek, i explore the jungle
stop at the river, inserting my tongue
home to the piranha, and they just want some

travel the brush, i meet the birds
squawking macaw, and colorful parrots
beautiful but shallow, they say nothing worthwhile

climb over rock, i'm met by the apes
teasing in mockery, we exchange gestures
alas, no wise words, they just want to play

tired and restless, my paws keep moving
aware of a scent, i explore further
eyes that stare and see in the dark
using the shadows, i crouch down lower

expecting a hunter, i sit very still
listen to sounds, i'll know if it moves
patience is the name of playing this game
watching and waiting, using animal skills

my ears fold back my tail twitches
i spring to the air and leap the bushes
then find myself staring... eye to eye
with...the lion

beautifully majestic long flowing mane
bearing his teeth, i take a step back

he purrs for a moment and lays his head down
so incredibly bored to be king of the place
i lay down too, entwining our tails
two common cats, we share the same trail

i know not to startle or make a quick move
he watches with cat eyes and playfully paws
i roll to my back and surrender submission
trembling to the feel of his approaching whiskers

he lets out a roar a paw on my chest
leans his head forward his tongue on my lips

feline strength, i stand up
we are face to face, and my teeth want to bite
i could out run him, but what fun is that

i think instead...
the chase has begun............


debby