Cat’s perfume

My wool and silk disguise the she-wolf hid within.
With granny cap and lendings, sheath the wild and raw,
Tuck in protruding nose and ears, conceal the curves.

Retreat from glaring eyes and curiosity
Spare those who cannot help but be consumed with lust,
Who misconstrue and stain the pure as prurient.

Shrug off the hide
Unbutton threads
Unhook the stays and ties

To rush headlong down shadowed forest path,
Let crowding undergrowth scrape ‘gainst my legs.
Lungs ragged, long tongue lolling loose
Between hot slathered canine fangs.
From rock to scarp ascend,
Then loose the long pent howl.

A cat’s perfume disguises mermaid hid within,
A dab of earthy musk to mask the waft of fish.
Modestly cloak wet slipp’ry flesh, conceal the tail.

Retreat from glaring eyes and curiosity
Spare those who cannot help but be consumed with lust,
Who misconstrue and stain the pure as prurient.

Unclasp my pearls
Shell buttons, loose
Release the whale bone waist

And wade with slow sure steps into the surf,
Foam sucking at my calves, wet knees, and thighs:
Brute shock, ice penetrates my core.
Hold steady, thrust, a graceful plunge.
Stroke deep ‘till lungs crave air
Then burst up into light.

Restored unto my nat’ral shape,
Head fizzing, crawl up desert shore.
Let dry in peace my clean-washed flesh,
Then wrap afresh in meek disguise,
Soft silk and wool, with crimson hood.