Missing Patches

      Ok, I'm a bad parent. My kitties rush the door and escape into
      the woods. Patches is the worst: four days outside. I call to her.
      Nothing. So, I'm looking for pussy in the pine.

      It's been raining. Jeeze she been eaten; I worry. The pine needles
      are soft and have a sweet musk. Trudging on. "You." a whisper
      from the darkness. "Ehm? Who is there?" I have my buck knife.
      "Your cat is here." a woman's voice soft, but nearer.

      She is very pale. Her hair is black and falls to her waist. "See?"
      She cradles Patches in her arms. "May I hold her?" Patches is
      warning me with her golden eyes. I sence danger and recite,
      "una isola muy hermosa... tierras formosisimas." Lilith smiles,
      bearing her fangs.

      "Good savage, do not be affraid. I am your mother. What is
      your name?" I look at Patches to warn her to jump: "I? I am
      a singing owl." She screeches as Patches uses her claws to
      break free. "Lilith!" I hold up my buck knife, "And demons and
      monsters shall meet and lay down with metal blade."(Isa.34:14)

      Lilith laughs, "Do you think you will cut out my heart?" Patches
      Peanut and Rusty have circled her in the pine above. "This is my
      Lady's woods. See?" I look behind her. She gazes slightly over
      her shoulder a radiant Lady aproaches. Lilith vanishes.

      "My dog is fighting demons?" the Lady of the forest places her hand
      on the right side of my face. I am transformed into a wolf. "Go home
      to your familiars." she rises into the night sky.+ I am covered in pine
      needles.

      It is time for a fire and some wine. My beloved Patches curles herself
      on my belly as I watch the flames jump. Only he who has been purified
      by fire can enter Paradice for the Way is cut with a flaming sword.

      (^)