purr and fur is a great disguise
for hiding beasts that lurk within:
the witch's friend and panther's kin.
With hiss and yowl and growl and spit,
its eyes aflame, as from the pit:
for casting spells or broomstick ride,
keep this familiar at your side.
Black panther from the jungle deep
will tear you down with lash and leap,
will gnaw your flesh or eat you whole,
spit out the bones, and sear your soul.
So, if you come on Halloween night,
beware of things that scratch and bite,
or you may find a cruel surprise
in two black cats with yellow-green eyes.
