Shishi-mai

This morning
I was bit by a lion.
It came up to me
on the street
and requested I
offer my head
to its massive mouth.
I did--
as I often do--
trusting such moments
will inspire, purify or bless:
those dreamy illogicals.

Then the lion bit me
just above my brow.
And in the moment
when its teeth were bared
and its breath had yet
filled with my blood,
I looked into its throat
and saw a young woman
standing there, smiling
as they do
with enough hope to promise
an easing of some
of my pain.



by jerry gordon
8.1.2014
Shishi-mai