as a tiger dies in a recliner

HE SMILES

(a breathless grimace of defiance)


HE STRETCHES AND YAWNS

(to cease the trembling in his limbs)


HE BEARS DOWN AND SQUINTS

(gazing upon colors whose names he can not remember)


HE EMITS A LOW GROWL

(images of all things lost bubbling up to the surface)


HIS TAIL FLICKS ANGRILY

(the flies have gathered thick around him)


HE LEAPS AT HIS PREY

(trying to tear down his own shadow tormenting him on the wall)



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