Heat Wave

HEAT WAVE I can’t get over it Last summer was so mild But now the Gods are making up for it “Suffer ye sinners!” they say Aside from the obvious - Sweat A slight loss of appetite Listlessness Reluctance to rise A sudden genius for not-working excuses I notice it in my cat “My God!” I holler to my wife. “I think Tabby is dead.” Tabby lay on the living room floor stretched out full-length “She doesn’t even move when I call her name – Tabby! Tabby! My God! Tabby!” I’m wringing my hands Do I dare touch her? Do I really want to confirm my worst fear? But I do… I touch her That soft hot fur I can’t detect any breathing Tears are starting to well Then Just a faint twitch of her tail She rises suddenly Walks slowly off Quite annoyed As though to say – “Why the hell you have to touch me man? Why you wanta bother me? Don’t you know that the best thing a long-hair kitty can do in this heat is SLEEP!”