A Panther Trapped

A Panther Trapped
--------------------------

Don't venture out of the village alone,
For dangerous animals lurk.
Beasts that can knock you straight out with one blow
Or tear you up once gone berzerk.

"Don't venture into the forest alone!"
She knew of the chance that she took.
But ne'er did she heed nor the warning succeed
Till she captured the cat in a look

She knew not to scream and she knew not to run,
Lest the panther should spot her pale shape.
She knew naught she could do that would save her this time,
Nor any clear way to escape.

The glorious panther whose spotted coat gleamed
Turned its head and its gaze toward her.
Then dispassionately did it turn its head back,
And took off at a run, in a blur.

She realized just then she'd been holding her breath,
As she let out a sigh of relief.
She uttered a prayer, thanks for dodging her death,
Then collapsed from her pure disbelief.

As old legend goes, on her journey toward home,
In a pool she did glimpse her own face.
Then drew back in surprise, for within her own eyes,
Did a panther her iris replace.