Poetry

The noises come out

from the growls

and the hisses.

The fur stands on end

and the tail puffs

so regally.

I know they do it for show

to get the other cat to back down.

Yet, it is always a sight to see

as they walk sideways

towards each other

tails flared beyond belief.

Some days I wish I had a tail.

If only to indicate

what makes me angry

without having to say anything.

How often are we told

“Oh a peck on the cheek is alright!”

“It’s just being polite.”

How many inappropriate kisses

have we watched on the screens.

Are we learning to be victims

each time we accept being uncomfortable.

“If they are picking on you, it just means they like you!”

Too consistently are we being forced

to be an object for someone else’s desire.

Ask before you kiss?

Ask before you hug?

Ask before you touch?

Ask before you assume!

Just ask!

Eyes hurt less.

Lights out.

Moving slowly.

Tripping over a cat

Is less a worry.

Insomnia brings distorted

World views.

Memories of strange encounters.

Still life goes on.

Sleep will eventually come.

Dawn will break

and so will I.

Get the walking stick.

Find the hiking boots.

Water canteen

and the thermal socks.

Camping gear set.

Tent packed and off we go.

Nature awaits

as long as it does not snow.

Even then we will walk

as the cold winds blow.

The light is filtered.

The screen changes scenes.

What was once bright

Now darkens.

Through the eyelids

These changes take place.

Once the bright returns

I know the advertisements

Are over.

I can continue

My gaming journey.

Unless I close my eyes

And truly fall asleep.

Then no amount of light

Makes a difference.

Until my bloodshot eyes open

In the morning.

Before my coffee

Text

After

Text

Begging me

Pushing me

Growling

I arrive

And give him his donut anyways

He was put in his place.

Once.

By the teacher.

After he had been harassing her.

Bullying her.

Making her hate herself.

Again.

After all I do.

I love her.

Am I to lose her?

The one part of the meal that everyone enjoys.

It is versatile and complete.

By itself it may seem bland

but truly it is the backbone that deserves respect.

Creamy or garlicky or flavoured with paprika

Potatoes make the evening complete.

Leftover mashed potatoes never happens

in this household.

So calling yourself mashed potatoes

means you are loved.

Not everyone may appreciate you

but I certainly do.

(I normally don’t add the why behind the poem because I like to have it speak for itself. In this case, Kelsie Dolin, I want you to know how much I like all of you and I hope you go far on American Idol.)

I certainly don’t like you.

I obviously don’t love you.

I do not understand you.

I wonder if I should learn more about you?

I can not say I know you.

But hate you?

I can say I do not like you

but hate?

When does disliking someone

automatically turn into hating them?

I suppose war will do that to you.

Electricity brings illumination.

A light bulb represents ideas.

A flame brings hope in the dark.

A fire burns either you or everything else.

Yet, destruction brings new life.

A light sometimes is all one needs.

Philosophical terminology aside

When the sun rises

So does our eyes.