Rabbit Becomes a Jaguar

I told myself to behave
to sit quietly, and wait,
good things surely be mine

Winter came and winter went
I sat, still, as a frightened rabbit
while the sap rose in the trees

The heart kept beating, nose twitching
blossoms swelled, died and fell
Equinox had me rocking on my heels

Limbs growing thin and weak, sagging
I watched the animals eat the jungle
while I sucked my thumb and mewled

Sleeping to the solstice, heat rising,
A pounding heart finally awakens,
talons outstretched, grabbing life

Rush of blood to the paws
Ripply hide sheened with life
Roaring challenge to the heavens

Eyes clear and bright, deep lungs
inhale the mineral tang of winter,
Vowing to never freeze again