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