Shantih Journal | Page 34

2

The old cat showed signs the night before

stumbling in and out of existence

reaching for a final touch.

3

I made a casket of his little

traveling cage — comfortably patted

with his favorite sheet and toys —

a bit of catnip — made ready like a great

Mau of the River Nile.

4

The old bridge reminds me of something

long dead. Its dark underbelly — bulging dirt floors —

the occasional bottles of Colt 45 lying beside themselves.

Predial florae — empty of import

the wind sometimes caresses

your translucence with

last season’s maple leaves —

gesturing solidarity.