I

i
burn with rage
suffocate with loss
taste only bitterness
die daily.

i
repress violence
rub elbows with arrogance
wrestle with lonliness
gamble and lose.

i
fight with time
bleed from within
am mortal and beautiful
blessing and sin.

I Love To See My Panther

I love to see
my Panther's teeth when she smiles
her glossy sheen
all candles for these miles
moonlit eyes to cover me
the altar where I pray
I love to see my Panther
please give me life each day.