Panther

When grapes ripen and flow down barrels, drunk ancient Greeks abandon morals, roar accosts their ears from distant cave, ushers season of feasting and rave! With every roar spreads odour of wine, with it fear! he is coming to dine!!! wander not far, nor be lured by smell, when he comes to hunt... no one can tell! When in the deep forest all alone, just your rapid heart beat to atone, silently creeps your death towards you, no rustle, no feather, not a clue! When vicious claws sink in, your flesh burns, your scream is lost in a roar that churns, flash of golden yellow with spots black, mythical panther is on your back! Feel his smooth fur, his mouth your blood drips, pity not self, with death come to grips, you stare into his eyes amidst spots, watch being devoured, like it or not! Your brief swift sojourn in history, a spot of dust on time’s tapestry, he has wandered the forests for long, when he finds you, to him you belong! Panther (Legendary Creature) contest sponsor Julia Ward Written 6/October/2020 did not win. 9 syllables in each line Dionysus or Bacchus, The god of wine and fertility in greek mythology, rides the legendary panther! who feasts on wine and breathes out an alluring smell that brings him the prey! With a panther you do not know you are being hunted, till you are being killed.