Villanelle for a black cat

Prowling panther, tail upright

Pace the perimeter of your domain

With gaze of amber yellow light

Whether high morn or late at night

It is the same practiced refrain

Prowling panther, tail upright

Your cry is loud but it lacks bite

I know your voice in annoyance or pain

With gaze of amber yellow light

You toss my items out of spite

Paws brushing past the remains

Prowling panther, tail upright

Ten pounds of fury, strength and might

A big cat’s spirit, all the same 

With gaze of amber yellow light

Your void shadow in my full sight

Indifferent, no care – you only feign

Prowling panther, tail upright

With gaze of amber yellow light