A Mesmerizing Cat

change silver copper nail clippers
brushes ashtrays combs and pens
eroded memories of urges
fabulous fascinations forgotten
in pauses between the dirges
they wait to be discovered anew again


one hundred seventeen by thirteen is nine
reptiles are divine
a dubious prickle of porcupines
mill about knee deep in brine
discussing the state of their seaside find:
A remarkably delicious leaning pine


it happened in between blinks
feathers flipped the switch
a lesser man would drink
but she just lived with it
like needles pricking eardrum
stab jab of cold-burn flame
blood leaks among her tresses
no wince at agonizing pain
her spine was an iron railroad
a mule-breeder's most trusty knife
she was a married woman
but she was nobody's wife
her eyes were flint and fire
lit from the source of rage
five men took her power from her
but they're all in unmarked graves