This leopard's growl
stays in the throat, gargling,gurgling like a cauldron.
This dabbed fur
paints an impression of
dappling sunlight on brush.
Sides of the lithe cat
expand, contract, as air
jumps into lungs, rides out
again over a rough pink
tongue, white theeth,
black lips. This staring leopard's
mouth and nose taste-smell
air, sorting known traces,
measuring strange mixtures.
This leopard, what a cat,
ah, what a creature,
what a miracle of Here.
hans ostrom 2024
