Shadow Dance

The Shadow Cat glided with ease
through rocks and beastly brambles
swaying its feline body with a graceful streak
over rutted rubble.

A Dancer followed the creature
like oil winding through a channel,
with one foot at the fore of the other
and knees bent like an animal.

The Shadow Cat silently ambled
through a crooked path
till it reached an obstacle
it could not pass.

The Dancer turned and spun
then suddenly stopped,
and waited for what
the creature would do or not.

The Shadow Cat hissed and crouched
with sinews tight and compact
then lifted its legs with claws
and bounded with a spring of its back.

With a wave of exultation the Dancer howled
and followed his spirit guide,
running, jumping and tumbling out
over the jagged cliffs of the night.