Poetry Response to \"The Panther\" by Rainer Maria Rilke
The laden door to the cage opens
freedom... as wide as its opening;
both a beckoning, and a curse
promising as much as it breaks.
There is comfort in confinement,
a lack of responsibility,
fitting like a well-worn hide —
one part sanctuary, three parts prison.
Until the door again slams shut
as pacing once more resumes
with a deep sigh of relief.
Despite the key dangling from its neck.