I.

Steaming sweat runs down my forehead,

I cry out in pain--the swollen blisters, malevolent thorns and rocks.

My face is hot, my mouth dry and caked brown,

Unabated does the suffering continue as I starve.

She bites and tears, until my flesh is red

exposed and bleeding, she smiles widely as I cry, dripping hot tears.

The sun she shines, wailing light, searing the wounds delivered by those claws.

I scream in agony.

What is this cruel pain which knows no bounds?!

That malicious devil cat, white claws splattered with my defeat!

Why do I so endure the hurt?

II.

Suddenly, all is cool as I descend into the deep blue glade,

as if submerged in spring waters.

So quickly are my wounds forgotten, only sores long ago begotten.

Sharp sounds are dulled and the forest becomes quiet,

Shade envelops me, my eyes close as I breathe the cool, moist air,

Indulging in the beauty, the freedom, the purity.

Her claws are sheathed, a gentle cat she hath become.

Soft fur gently I stroke, my mind clear and refreshed.

From suffering to decadence,

from fire to wondrous delight.

Is not the beauty of Nature in her ambivalence?

The burning sun meets cool night,

the terrible fiend turns to the docile animal.

Why do I so endure the hurt, the fight?

Becuase I seek her beauty, the purest sight.