Gleaming (Poetry)

I saw her only once —
one sighting close beside a midnight lake —
and she saw me —
held me in her gaze as seconds passed
and I felt frozen — fascinated — scared
by her intensity —
the meaning in that look.

I held my breath —
as though to breathe would somehow break the spell —
the air locked fast between us
and her big cat eyes
loomed sharp and gleaming
through that lesser light —
a vague, unfocused moon’s.

The wind grew still —
trees leaned like drunken pillars at her back
she spoke no words
but understanding reached me nonetheless
and warned me of her power —
a soundless whisper thrilled —
some dark caress
she offered as a gift with a sly smile.

I trembled, I admit
and fled the place — I knew her for a witch
yet dreams entice me back
beside the lake to search for her dark shape —
those eyes that pierced my heart
gleaming through the walls of sleep
I see her face and know I am in thrall —
there’s no escape.