Septic Paradise

The merciless sea shows us no mercy
It tosses our ship like a leaf in the wind
Stamping its dominance in the hearts of our strongest
My grip loosens; my feet fall from under me
The sea tosses and I am plunged into blackness

My eyes open and the sun blazes forth
Am I dead? I feel sand beneath my hands
No, I live but in a place I know not
Rising to my feet, I turn and face
The place that shall for now serve as home
 
A week now I have lived here
In this wild paradise
Lush fruits fill my belly
Springs of crystal water refresh me
This place, so idyllic
And yet its wet heat oppresses me

I dream of home and long for it more
Of the flowers of spring and blushing maidens galore
Of succulent fruits and summer wines and buxom wenches laughing in joy
Of the gold of autumn and spirited girls playing with leaves in their hair
And of freezing winters with their roaring blizzards and of ice cold ladies in luxurious furs
Yes I dream of home and all of its comforts

I saw her today; a black panther
Fur blacker and sleeker than any ladies coat
She walked across my way; not sparing a glance
A queen confident in her rule; caring not for the gnats beneath her paws
My fury rose; my teeth gnashed in anger
Who was she, this cat, to ignore me so?
No, I would teach this animal a lesson
And show her who was man and who beast

For days I tracked this heinous creature
She who moves with a pagan grace
My spear is sharp and my will is strong
I throw my weapon but the feline is wily and dodges the blow
The jungle raised uproar
What is this? What is this screaming?
This is no beast but a witch in disguise
Turning, I run from her black magic

My body is weak with hunger
My throat is dry with thirst
The witch’s curse is strong
Water springs poisoned from the ground
Fruit hangs rotten from the trees
I fall to the ground and cannot rise again

I see her now; a giant of a woman
A savage beauty with the eyes of the panther
She approaches me like a queen before a court
There is no spittle in my mouth
I prepare to snarl at the demon
But there is a dagger in my heart and darkness takes over