Ballad of a Killer Cat by Kathleen VanCor Past deep twilight slumber dreams Here comes the pitter-pat. Silky, furred, liquid slinkiness My dear obnoxious cat. Through darkened halls, past papered walls and down the steps of wood. She uses all her hunting skills for things far less than good. Ears cocked right, and then to left No squeak is missed on this night She peers into the lightless rooms Eyes wide for scurried flight. Her prey is gray, with black beady eyes whiskered maw is filled with cheese The wooden trap is left unsprung Like the elusive, hard pressed sneeze. Great phantom of hell, with jaws unhinged— My cat attacks its prey And with a crunch and vicious shake Thus ends the mouse’s day. So proud and noble this sweetest beast who sashays up wooden stairs and makes her way to pillows soft to rest from all cat cares. Deep in twilight slumber dreams I’m rousted full of dread Oh telltale yacking and grievous heaving Of my cat puking on my bed. My pillow wet, and lo... befouled My cat’s composure belies The gruesome, bile-matted gift she brought and its cold, dead beady eyes. Page 63
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