Leopard Of Paradise

Leopard Of Paradise
© Surazeus
2025 02 27

After snarling at pilgrim lost in dark wood, 
the leopard glides gracefully into shadow 
to rest in warm sun on the mindless rock 
that Moses split to find the well of hope, 
and watches Virgil lead Dante through Hell 
with casual nonchalance of the wild beast. 

Hidden among bushes on the broad hillside, 
Orpheus films the leopard as it glides 
gracefully in shadow of grim despair 
to hunt Cernunnos and his flock of does 
who flee when the leopard and the hart fight 
grand epic battle in cool evening dusk. 

Ophelia grills deer steak on the altar 
as Orpheus scrapes the leopard skin clean 
and stretches it taut in the wood frame 
beside the frame with the skin of the deer, 
then Artemis sews them into warm clothes 
for everyone to wear when winter comes. 

Eyes flashing with moonlight of golden joy, 
the leopard returns to vine-covered cave 
where his mate and two cubs shelter from harm, 
dragging fresh-killed meat for them to consume, 
then lounges on warm stone by the clear pool, 
purring with pleasure as his family eats. 

Eyes glowing gold as the moon in rain clouds, 
the leopard watches Narcissus and Echo 
tip-toe slowly into grove of pear trees 
and kneel before glistening pool of truth, 
then cocks his head with curiosity 
when the two hairless monkeys softly kiss. 

"When I was lost in vision of my face, 
entranced by beauty of this alien creature," 
Narcissus whispers, caressing her cheek, 
"your sweet voice in shadows of my desire 
released me from infertile trance of hope, 
so I can see your face with clarity." 

"When I felt invisible to all eyes, 
misunderstood by everyone I love," 
Echo smiles brightly with tears in her eyes, 
"your hearing my thoughts with your open heart 
applied mask of confidence to reveal 
beauty of my heart to your loving mind." 

Racing down through winding levels of Hell, 
then ascending mountain of clear insight, 
the leopard arrives in lush paradise 
and finds Dante lounging with Beatrice 
by the Fountain of Youth, who both exclaim 
joy to see him, and pet him as he purrs.