Catamite Catamounts

I fear one creature in this land,

A fear that’s real and makes hairs stand.

I’d not soon hassle brushback hogs,

Been spooked before by feral dogs,

I have distaste of serpents too,

And thank that black bear often shoo.

I’m not ashamed at all to say

I fear the cougar night and day.

Supposedly they are not here,

But talk to woodsmen and you’ll hear

Of signs aplenty to be sure,

For they are near just as before.

A cat they say you will not see,

I’d rather not, it seems to me.

I fear I’d go without a fight,

Stricken to awe by the sheer might

Of a master schooled in silence,

From a kitten versed in violence.

And though they haunt deep in shadow,

I once saw tracks set straight in snow.

I’d trekked alone that winter day,

Up Grandpap toward crag McCrae.

But when I saw fresh feline prints

I thought of nothing save defense.

Quite seldom have I been so bared.

A naked child, yet I was spared.

I felt both fear and great respect

My blood still chills to recollect.