Water and Fire Combine

In the still forest of green bamboo
haunts a sunlit monster
with teeth that are like shimmering swords
and fur like polished iron
daring and fearful
trusting and adventurous
she lies and waits


Like a shadow crawling through the night
her eyes a devouring dragon's heart
her fur a blooming night sky
clever and witty
grim and wise
her friend is not too far behind


together they stand
like a cold night's chill
against darkness itself