Dream

I pad softly through green woods and down a grassy slope to the clear blue spring.

Kneeling, I form a cup with my hands and scoop up some of the freshwater.

I drink, and am renewed.

I look up.

On the far bank of the spring crouches a tawny panther. Her long tail swishes.

She laps water from the spring, looks up, sees me.

She fixes me in a predatory golden gaze.

We stare at each other.

I wake.

I wonder what comes next.