Cats

by Joseph McCombs

Exquisite though you might be
I am not ready
to pluck eyelashes or clip fingernails
as you like them. And I am not sure
it's not more than coincidence
that my cat is frightened of you. He knows his stuff.
He knows I like to sleep until noon
and lie languid on small couches
where there's no room for two.
I'm not saying there's no room for you.
But I like my couch and I like my naps
and I like my nails long enough to scratch
should the need arise. I like you too.
I might even pluck an eyelash or two.
But I won't let my freedom be a martyr
and make dependency a laugh-track in my drama.
There's too much to say -- so let me put it in view:
I feel I'd be losing too much with you.

Exquisite though it might be
to chew chocolate drops all day with you
I think I'd rather
live alone shining than fade
into you.


Back