WHEN THE JAGUAR ARRIVES

kneeling at the edge of the world

the woman offers a gift

to the jaguar

one day the black and gold beast will visit Isla Mujeres

to stalk the “cliff of the dawn” high above a rippling cobalt sea

when the jaguar arrives

the woman wants her to feel at home

to know safety in our endangered world

so she raises her palms to the heavens

offering shelter on behalf of Ixchel

on a sacred stone tray that holds the future

a warrior sentry in a multi-colored feathered headdress

stands behind her

holding a precious platter

filled with sustenance for the majestic cat

in Punta Sur

where the bold Mexican sun rises fresh each morning

to warm human hearts with wonder

the jaguar knows

do you?