CEBAH

I dreamed last night of a leopard, snow
white with steely grey eyes. She moved gracefully,
leading me into her world.
The hem of my nightgown was covered in frost.
I crouched beside a rock, steel
coloured, like her eyes.
Snow was falling over my skin.
Hanging on me like a thin nightgown.
My hands were stuck on the cold stone. The cold
spread over me.
She ran, turned her head, glanced my way
and disappeared
Into the fog and snow.
I knew she could give me shelter, no matter
the risk.
Have no fears, move into the light. Time is fleeting.
I shook away the cold, searched the snow for
her tracks.
The dream shifts.
It says go on. Go away.
Do something.
My nightgown is frozen. I do not know where I am.
You must walk on.
Alone.
But, where?
How?
I taught you all your life.
I answer
Please.
I feel like a child.
I am terribly afraid.
I remember the wolves.
I remember the ghosts.
I do not know this ghostly beast.
I hear laughter.
I see the fire.
I cannot make it to the center.
I cannot hear a sound.
A cloud droops down.
I am alone.