Perle Champion

the star-white cat she
preceded her every where
none dared cross her path

familiar to one
fearful unknown to others
dragon at earth’s edge

she sat up amid
red silk startled from slumber
trying to hang on

to the edge of sleep
some important thought lurked there
moments then was gone

lost on waking like
errant remnants of a dream
fled beyond recall

outside looking in
idyllic to naive eyes
but silhouettes lie

the soft glow misleads
softening real life’s edges
fall’s leaves veil winter

we hide what we are

behind facades shown the world

it changes nothing

that thin armor can’t

keep all the torches at bay

the night hides the stake

persephone’s gown
changes moment to moment
green to gold next brown

she readies herself
soon soon to descend the stair
to Charon’ ferry

lays of doom always
strew hints of hope like small gems
cardinals in winter

flower decked solstice
tree lighting darkest night
robins herald spring