The Ocelot

 Last night I dreamt I loved an ocelot

fast-footed, fierce and fearful, eyes blazing

obsidian mirrors, an amazing

bobcat dressed in striped fire and polka dot.

She spoke to me in music and her voice

invoked the oldest magic of her kind;

to build her den in my subconscious mind.

I thrilled to know I had no other choice

for when she purred, I felt great hurricanes

restoring leaves to every winter tree

and I sensed something lost return to me.

Defencelessly, I let her fill my veins

and though her love is far less give than take,

I know at dawn I did not wish to wake.