He pads to me quietly
on big black feet with
furry thumbs.
Green eyes glow as he
coming into light from
shadow tells
me of his displeasure,
his boredom.
No bugs here, Mom.
No more books to pull
from the shelves, Mom.
None of my leather MICE, Mom.
That reminds me-
I look my good-luck in the face and
purr with him.
I'll stop at the pet store
tomorrow.
My silver child flings
herself at my feet
offering belly
for love.
Twilight paws with
furry thumbs knead
my leg.
She purrs.
I love you, Mom.
I wish you were home more, Mom.
Thank you for helping
when Oberon plays too rough, Mom.
I touch warm dry
nose to wet grey
nose and tell my
elusive shadow child she
is still my favorite
only daughter.
My favorite band on
headphones swells
and the words before
me dance down the
poison stream to
trip the wire
of inattention
procrastination.
Toes tapping in
boots on desk
top pencil scurrying
to keep time.
Head moving body
longing to tear
down the office
walls holding
me inside.
Reprints by permission only.