I was walking home one night
When I saw you, sitting there
Like an ancient Egyptian God,
Quietly contemplating the dark beauty of the night,
As if the entire night belonged to you alone.
Broken-hearted leaves trailed after the lusty wind,
Whispering madly and crying for its return.
But you sat there, unmoved by the scene.
I went closer to you, drawn
By some inexplicable power,
Could you be the Devil’s pet?
You sensed my approach and looked at me,
Assessing my intent, yet revealing none of yours;
Your bright green eyes, oddly iridescent,
Met my gaze, and for that moment, I felt
Our souls connect.
Yet your eyes seem so wise, like you knew
All the secrets of the universe,
And could see through a person’s mind,
Perhaps even mine.
Do you really have nine lives? Then
Perhaps you became wiser after every life.

You yawned, drawing my attention to your mouth.
The edges of your mouth perpetually curled as if you were amused,
Or perhaps you were mocking the foolish world.
Faint light from the streetlamp spilled across the road,
Caressing your sleek black pelt
That had been slightly ruffled by the wind.
You flicked your long tail, perhaps an unconscious
Movement on your part, but it was so… mesmerizing.
You flicked it again. I wanted to go even closer,
But would you run if I went nearer?
I stood still, enthralled by your handsome beauty,
Your princely grace as you flicked your tail.
You were not looking at me anymore.
You gazed at some place beyond, lost in thoughts.
Then you yawned again, as if nothing in this world could interest
you.
You stood lazily,
Stretching your muscles, your body bent in a little arch.
You suddenly became active,
Like a statue suddenly coming to life.
You strode confidently and gracefully into the shadows,
The Prince was ready to hunt.
I watched you until you were totally embraced by the darkness of the
night.

The Black Panther reigned that night.