CAT TOY

It dances in the air.

Twirls and flutters.

It entrances, casts its spell.

A wild frenzy ensues—

all because of a talent

to tease and toy.

What did Emily Dickinson say?

Hope is the thing with feathers.

There was hope, at first,

until the illusion wore off

and all that remained was

a few paltry plumes,

a string and a stick.

I am the cat

in this story.

There was never a bird.

Hope molted before

my desiring eyes.