December 31, 2006: Perhaps there are yet panthers

It's the end of a remarkable year, that saw the publication of the poet's new book RONIN IN THE TEMPLE OF APHRODITE, and his collaborative volume with Daniel S. McTaggart, PSALMS OF THE MONSTER RIVER CULT, as well as his three first CDs, THE LAST ROMANTIC VERB, NEMICORN and THE NAKED READS.

He wrote many new pieces, found a new muse (Is this "the one"? For his sake, I hope so, but we shall see.), podcasted his little heart out, was selected as a judge by the Texas Panhandle Writers FiW writers convention chapbook contest, was named the host of a corporate open microphone series (ironic, no?) and found a place amongst the protest poets raising awareness of the genocide in Darfur, while continuing to raise hemlines and heart rates.

A most remarkable year, indeed. To end it, let's go out strong with a poem that, while writ almost two years ago as he strove to rise from the wreckage of his second marriage in a forced optimism, seems to be fulfilling itself before our eyes, today. Note the line that counterpoints "Horizon": "as I rise and head yet West". The prophet knew even then, he would find his path towards the horizon on the evening sun. How does he do that?

Perhaps there are yet panthers

Perhaps there are yet panthers
in the world, out in the wild,
with the claws of an earned wisdom
and the bright eyes of a child.

Perhaps there are yet panthers
in the jungle, laying still,
waiting for the sounds approaching
of a heart, ripe for the kill.

And yes, I believe there is purpose
in every shadow in the night.
Lessons learned with fingers burned
and peace with each delight.

Perhaps there are yet panthers
out beyond horizon's line,
waiting for this wanderer,
their presence to divine.

Perhaps there are yet panthers
who hunger to be found...
who still haunt the distant canopies
on the road to where I'm bound.

And yes, I know of nothing
that can sway me from this quest -
not the liar nor the fire
as I rise and head yet west.

Perhaps...


William F. DeVault. all rights reserved.