“A Third Family Member Dies In The Span of Two Months”
By Adam Petrosino
as the starving Ink-
Black Panther slinks,
a shadow, out from the under-
brush, Her growl like thunder
snaking barbed-wire crowns
through my chest, round and round,
She sees the soft purchase
of flesh and lurches,
teeth-bared, to bite.
I do not fight.
sharp canines and molars
find familiar holds.
I stroke Her fur and don’t pretend
that She is not my dearest friend.
