The panther in my mind asleep

Has lain a long time quiet there.

He breathes the dark and flowing air,

An easy prisoner to keep.

I can remember when his tread

Wore out a track across the cage

From side to side, uncomforted

In grief and love and groping rage.

So mute and bitter his despair,

His teeth were at my heart like fire,

Until the valiance in my flesh

Was burned away and turned to ash.

But when at last I level pride,

A wasted wall, a useless thing,

And bend the bars of reason wide,

The beast will spring.