a cat knows

a cat knows when you’re upset
he paws gently at your face under the blanket
a cat knows when you’re happy
he lingers under your hand for a second longer
a cat knows when you’re angry
he stays on the periphery making himself available

the retail clerk stops suddenly
a praying mantis clings to her shoe
“hello buddy,” she says
she bends down and scoops it up
it says nothing but starts up her arm
“I’m working,” she giggles
she brushes it back into her hand
and brings it close to her eyes
“you’re beautiful,” she says
she ignores a customer’s quiet call
and sets it on a leaf on a bush outside
“stay safe,” she says
it does stay safe for six more months
neither think about each other again