Obsidian Panther

Of late, there has been

a panther at my back.

In my dreams I catch

small glimpses

In my dreams I run like hell

I shut doors

and doors.

In my waking life I feel

the intent stare of feline eyes

Canary-yellow, golden fleck

More than feathers on the tongue

I am most consumed by

the palpable and blind

terror of the unseen.

I feel its hidden presence,

the black body

the thick muscle

the prowl

I am nauseated by the hesitance

of its power.

Silently

I am

Holding my breath

Scaling the edge of

unreleased panther screams

Prologue to shattered air

Anticipation deafening

Would the alternative be worse?

To be free of

the cursed stalking, the exquisite

anxiety of being followed

by such a large animal,

Untamable, magic

I pause. Turn. Slow rotation.

Will my eyes to stay open.

Realize

everything is made

of obsidian.

Black and shining world.

All pupil.

It is here I see

curved fang

shoulder blade

full form,

finally.