The Night's Play

Poetry

In the shadow of the flames, a dark face emerges.

Forest green eyes pierce through ash. A prisoner

Born out of smoke. The burnt panther searches

After a failed hunt. The silent listener

Stalks behind the curtain of dried grass.

His tracks are embedded in the trails his ancestors laid,

But the panther is trapped by those who love to trespass

His land and claim his body. He lies in the shade

To hide from unnatural predators. With stakes in hand

They march on foot behind the shifting, dark

Mass. The bravest of the lot, took a stand.

With a toss, the man tried to stab the leopard.

Between the trees, you will find the story:

The one of a man who has lost all his glory.