*

*

*

When the cat bathes itself

at the bed’s foot,

soft thumps

against the curve of my leg

take me home

to my child self.

Then I always had

an animal curled up fur tight

sharing my dreaming bed

nosing purr close

kneading an arm

sheathed claws

tiny pain pricks

supple companion

chose the king’s spot

the royal feline middle

and I, careful not to disturb

adjusted my legs around

its warm weight