The Black Panther: A book of poems

In this evocative collection, the poet channels a restless inner beast, using the black panther as a metaphor for unquiet yearning and untamed passion. The verses blend vivid natural imagery with a reflective, almost confessional tone, guiding listeners through twilight rooms, flickering owls, and the whispered tick of a death‑watch. Each poem balances lyrical intensity with a quiet, lingering melancholy, inviting the ear to feel the pulse of yearning that beats behind every line.

The book moves beyond the opening animal motif, wandering through night‑laden landscapes where doubts rise like moths and ancient ghosts linger in the shadows of forgotten rooms. WheeLock’s language is richly layered, weaving together mythic references and personal introspection in a way that feels both timeless and rooted in early‑twentieth‑century sensibilities. Listeners will discover a soundscape of sighing winds, soft waltzes of sorrow, and moments of stark clarity that resonate long after the final stanza.