February 2025
Bio Note: There are two cats currently sharing the house with me, and they help me focus on the big issues like feeding time. One of my former cats did write a published book of poetry, rather concrete in form but with my commentary and analysis it made sense! I do like to stay in touch with the outdoor wildlife here too, in the desert preserve nearby and in the local skies.
The Cats
The cats don’t know there’s trouble
in the world. Their job is to look graceful
in disturbing times. The golden hour
is upon us, late light streaming
from the mountain ridge
and a chill in the air. To lick their paws
in sympathy with those
who sleep on the streets, to stretch against
the window surrounded by an outdoor glow.
No borders for them, they open every cupboard
and occupy the highest places
they can reach. Dreams flow
through their limbs while they sleep.
Nothing earthly matters
then, it’s a world of fish and backyard doves
in there. Elections never happened,
the pursuit of happiness translates
into Spanish, to carry concealed
means a mind full of ideas. Just look
at how the more mature one occupies
a chair with regal demeanor, how the younger
one has all his outlaw spirit
still intact. The desert winter
sharpens itself under moonlight. They curl
into the moment and obey nature’s order
to serve the gods of elegance and sleep without pity.
Coyote Soul
and the owl sails out to see whose
turn it is tonight to be changed
—W. S. Merwin
A coyote’s head on winter grass
bears a trace of fur
and close by
are a few last vertebrae
stripped bare. It lies where the moon at midnight
rolls into the desert
and doesn’t stop to ask
about an animal’s fate. Closing time
at Cactus Jack’s, lights out
and lock the door. The owl is looking
for a soul to guide
across the road, across the mountain,
beyond belief
and she is guided
by mice and the mystery
of whatever happened, which
only starlight knows.
Editor's Note: If this poem(s) moves you please consider writing to the author (email address above) to say what it is about the poem you like. Writing to the author is what builds the community at Verse Virtual. It's important. -JL