Stupid Damn Cat

Stupid damn cat Attempting sleep on the balcony, a railing at my back, twisted iron creating stripes on my flesh. Crisscrossing as I slide atop a Craigslist mattress collecting in folds of faded striped fabric. slightly used Moon beams shift direction, west becomes east (ah east) on a northerly glow. Dry leaves gather at my feet, dead but still with some color left extending beyond shadows now painting me with sculpted patterns. security lighting Small slits where my eye lids blink find the neighbor’s cat now chooses my chest to sharpen its claws. A quick swat sends him flying, taking small pieces of my skin as a trophy. starting from scratch New scars eventually seek old scars, I can feel them reaching, (blood trickles on wrinkled fitted sheets) digging through my skin, exploring the muscle, the tissue, finding the damage done may be permanent sliced open Tunnels carved into my body, wormholes to a different dimension. Time passes beyond the depths of my being, flooding streets and low water crossings with the pain (excruciating), echoes holler, holding the volume to a dull roar. strange sounds A siren in the distance startles me, breath leaves me as I sit up reaching for my chest, nothing is there. Alongside me you sleep, peacefully I touch you, you are real, a smile finds your face. so very beautiful And I thank my lucky stars for sleep (finally), Knowing we are here, it was just a bad dream, as reality is left outside, two stories up on a balcony with a twisted iron railing . . . stupid damn cat