instead of a cat

if I had a cat
there would be someone for conversation
during cold nights in front of the fireplace
for talking appeases other needs
cats don't answer back,
certainly not very loudly
although some spend a lifetime translating purring
imposing it in meaningful ways against solitude
yet the resulting monologues don't bring long lasting satisfaction
just exercises in make-believe improvement
for an otherwise one on one life
what else to do with yet another evening home alone
in a house furnished with twin objects
ready for the eventuality
that someone will share the space

oh yes, one can always have a cat
his affection is better than none
on cold winter nights
only I don't have either the cat for companionship,
or the fireplace for warmth
but loneliness
an ever faithful friend
doesn't even ask for a ball of yarn
or a hickory log
its demands lie elsewhere
in a truth I don't like to see
every morning in the mirror




instead of a cat
7 december, 2004