Catch a Leopard by the Tail

Shine a light in my eyes. No cash prizes are reflected in them. I will open my mouth wide for you. It's just rows of teeth with no tomorrow. Both hands are empty and yet my skin drips with a promise. What manner of creature houses every dimension of escape all the while being slicked over with an auspicious rub. Stand with me over an aimless search party with extended limbs and swiveling heads. They have no direction, but are animated by a pure need. Nothing in life goes without fair exchange. What should I extract as satisfaction for my ointment of good fortune. Dalliance? Perhaps an oath of service would suffice in a time of my convenience. Should I refuse drops of blood mingled with hard labor, I will take it out of the borrower's peace. I will bridge my troubled heart to any indentured soul until it can recite my woe better than a playwright. The tendrils of ambition tickle at first. Then they tighten. After which an infection of royal purple explodes beneath the skin. Good doctor, do not schedule amputation. I have yet taste the first mortgage payment that is due me. They may hobble afterward. To the stranger my advice is short. Purse hard after common things. Take simple rewards that animals are wise enough to expend their entire lives in procurement. The mine shafts that lead to greater treasure don't always remain open. Sometimes they tumble in on themselves before you are able to shine one diamond. Yet the masses push and throng. It is an offense that they should not multiply all of their base pleasures past reason. When my tail high and curled, all are safe. Each is granted the presumption of a harmless wonderer. However, if my tail stiffens, one must observe carefully to make out it's position. Mid to high is investigation. That is time enough to reverse course. If it lowers, peril will rain down at the time of your gain.