The mountain lion with its dusty
and white cloud colors stares

down at me from a tree.
I twitch into a shudder

of half-madness but just keep
walking at the same pace as if

to say I am not a threat to you,
you king of the forest

in these Idaho valleys and hills
of densely green colors.

No movement behind me,
no roar of hunger.

I move on without another
soul to tell.