The conditions of a solitary bird are five: First that it flies to the highest point. Second that it does not seek after company; not even its own kind. Third, that it aims its beak to the wind. Fourth, that it has no definite color. Fifth that it sings very sweetly.
(John of the Cross: Sayings of Light and Love)
Clouded Leopard
To begin, it was thought she was a bird,
raven, or solitary spotted owl.
Next, her tree-dwelling ways,
how she slunk under branches,
lunged headlong down tree trunks.
Of this, it was said simply, squirrel.
Perhaps not fauna at all, theories grew.
This coat of gray elliptic shadows
and the sorrow provoked
by her poised against the bluest
Next, her tree-dwelling ways,
how she slunk under branches,
lunged headlong down tree trunks.
Of this, it was said simply, squirrel.
Perhaps not fauna at all, theories grew.
This coat of gray elliptic shadows
and the sorrow provoked
by her poised against the bluest
afternoon sky. Cloud species: alto-cumulus.
Yet hearing of her saber-ic canines,
the gift of balance, her long tail,
and that she’d gone mad in captivity
first killing, then devouring her young,
prowling the corners of her keep,
disappearing entirely and for days,
Yet hearing of her saber-ic canines,
the gift of balance, her long tail,
and that she’d gone mad in captivity
first killing, then devouring her young,
prowling the corners of her keep,
disappearing entirely and for days,
and how her mate became aggressive
after sexual encounters.
I recognize, but do not declare,
this cousin of mine.
after sexual encounters.
I recognize, but do not declare,
this cousin of mine.
