The Bobcat’s Song

by Mary Brunini McArdle

Amber my eyes in the gloaming,
Quietly my padded feet tread —
Predator loose in the forest,
Filling his victim with dread;

Sooner or later I’ll find him;
Best that he’s careful tonight!
Stealthy and graceful the stalker,
Frozen the prey poised for flight.

Favor me not nor my hunting —
Pity the poor rabbit’s fate;
Counter me not in my hunger;
Both our lives interrelate:

His is the low and the softer,
Mine is the high and the strong;
Beautiful each in our places:
That is the heart of my song.