Skulking behind bushes and
under parked cars.
Keeping to the night shadows
of dark alleys and
abandoned houses.
Whiskers judging the narrow spaces
perfect for concealment.
But six weeks, almost to the day,
cat’s out of the bag.
Headlights catch on glassy eyes
Stunned panic paralyzing movement.
Alley cat’s not like the one you keep at home;
Smooth fur soft for the petting.
Delicate meows and
curls around calves.
Alley cat’s got an ungainly howl.
She’s got long, rough teats
unsuitable for show and
scraggly, dinged-up ears.
She’s got a sneaky little hidey all about her,
and a ferocious swipe if you get too close
too quick.
But.
bring her a delicious morsel
consistently enough and
you just might win her
over
to your side
In the light.
© Sabrina Santa Clara, 2012