Book of Delaney VI

From the burning wilds,

Will carried the straw hat man

until they made camp.

Helping to treat his burn scars,

Delaney asked, "Who are you?"

He said, "I'm Grover.

Striking the fear monger's nerve

sent me to the pyre!"

Will said, "I'll take your statement."

Grover cried, "Look! A panther!"

A black panther pounced

Delaney from the shadows—

they stood matched in strength.

Will moved to unsheathe his blade,

but Delaney shouted, "No!"

Removing a snake

clinging to the panther's neck,

she tossed the serpent

into their campfire lumber—

earning the panther's favor.

R.L.P. Auriga

Long Island, New York