Cat Lady

Meow mix resonates heavy in her living room,
                Hanging with the sting
Of urine that does not leave the nose easily.

Six bowls like volcanoes vomiting cat food

                Huddled in the kitchen,
The names of one, two, three, four, five, six

Past husbands who, now neatly labeled in

Matching Comic Sans

And lurking in silent furry bodies, rub their

Heads into her legs, purr in ecstasy, and

                Love their provider
(That’s all she really is, ever was, or can be).

But Ronnie will leave, chasing pussy with

Angular yellow eyes and manicured claws.

Charles will impregnate an alley cat prostitute,

Bring home his litter; force her into motherhood.

Richard will fold himself up into a dead fur ball,

Round, hairy, and fat. Bradley will learn to greet

Her only at the crackling of catnip like his namesake

Could only respond to beer bottles chattering.

Due to overfilled testes, Vincent will get testy,

Claw her face while she thinks neuter, neuter.

Benjamin will walk right out the front door she left

Swinging open while bringing in the groceries.