Kitty Love

by Leslie Shalduha

I awoke from slumber

A mosaic of dreams on my mind

In the pre-dawn glow

Zinnia was sitting up

From where she cuddles to my chest

Through the night

The dream tumbles through my thoughts

At the other end of the bed

Pharra was sitting up

From where she cuddles at my feet

Through the night

My mind drifts, trying to lay hold of the dream

Scratchy tongues work in unison

One at my chin, one at my toes

Tiny licks and low purrs

As if they are forgiving me

As if giving permission

No, understanding

For the dreams that haunted me

Through the night

Were dreams of two kitties, two twitchy tails

In a new home with a dear old friend

Thirteen years of kitty love

Weaving their energy into me

Supporting me, always at my side

Lying by the fire while I write

Sweet little snores as one lay splayed

One on the back of the rocking chair

Sweet little chirps landing softly on my ear

Meowing incessantly for the meat tax

When I work in the kitchen

Thirteen years of kitty love

Well, except for one year

The year they stayed behind with him