The Cat and the Canary

The loneliness is close today,

A supple cat, that winds its way

Between my legs, as if to say,

“Lest you forget, I’m here to stay.

How loud the echoes in your home!

How clear it is you are alone!

How near the thoughts of the unknown-

you didn’t think from you I’d roam?”

He’s laughing as his tail wraps ‘round

my ankle; it’s a hacking sound,

But I lie still, as I have found

This hateful cat and I are bound.

The fears are awfully close tonight,

They flicker in the candlelight.

I can’t muster the strength to fight;

I let them take their burning bites.

Just harmless nibbles, at the start,

But slowly, they rip me apart

So thoroughly, I can’t take heart

The taste of them is stale and tart.

What of tomorrow? And today?

What if your loved ones aren’t okay?

What if you never find your way?

All of these things, and more, they say.

Regret has come to hold my hand,

To pull me, so I cannot stand,

To paralyze my heart’s own land,

My full attention, he demands.

The cat brings with him fear and shame,

With scorn, they all call out my name,

In midnight hours, they are untame;

All I can do is let them wane.

For hope is small, but she is there,

A bird birthed from the morning air,

Swelled by her song, she takes my cares,

Outnumbered; still, for me, she dares.