Moths orbit hissing lanterns.

Wing shadows dance across your face.

Outside the tent mid darkening

woods, the jaguar’s luminous eyes

pierce the night seeking tapir, fish,

unwary bird, whatever prey

will fill his sleek belly. Moonlight

filters faintly onto paw prints

as we push the tent door aside.

Dare to hike in this eerie light

to the gnarled tree where hunters placed

ten jaguar skulls, eye sockets black,

grim teeth poised. Watch for one

golden dappled coat, one leap

from high branch to forest floor,

those unrelenting claws at work.

Those carved jaguar shapes protected

Mayan temples, tombs and thrones.

Ancient Aztecs sacrificed still-beating

human hearts at jaguar-headed altars.

A lantern flickers. Will you come?

- Wilda Morris