Two lionessess stalk a wary circumference
circling with lows clucks and growls
as each ascertains the other's purpose.
The distance gradually closes between them
as a trust begins to be established.
their sinewy and powerful muscles are
just barely belied through their thick soft fur.
Their yellow eyes glinting in the fading light
they watch eachother's every move,
intensely aware of even the slightest twitch.
Cautiously one lowers her eyes but for a moment
to communicate her trust to the other.
Who responds by pausing ever so briefly
to run a rough tongue down her forearm.
Having reached a level of comfort
the two again move in closer
to a common meeting point.
Impatience finally takes hold.
One lioness turns from her circle
and pads the the center to settle herself.
She begins nonchalantly to clean her
beautiful golden coat of non-existant soiling.
the other momantarily joins her
And settles her silky fur up against her likeness.
The two, like twins, share movements, shape
colors and textures.
they are as alike as two eggs from a robin's nest.
A rumbling purr grows between the two
unclear when and from whom it started.
Sensuously, their fur intermingles as their
Necks rub in a bobbing rhythm with the movement
of their langourously caressing tongues.
A perfect harmony of sound and movement.

So like these two are we
But still cautious, still testing.
We will, sometime, meet at the center,
but until then, I enjoy the lithe
circling waltz.

3-10-93

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