purring gray thing in my lap
curious paws up my chest

the shadow of a fan in another room
fish occasionally wiggling in their tank
girl on the couch writing a poem
muffled water pattering in the bathroom
the gentle constant exhale of the vent

crush me
suddenly from above
I’m an ant
small and strong
smashed into the pavement

cat paws on my body
soft and rhythmic
claws in and away
through the blanket
walk next to my body
the subtle movement
barely a whisper
makes me shiver
sit against my body
the lightest touch
living breathing presence
no anxiety
just existence

hare runs the race
wins and goes home
hare plants a carrot garden
the carrots are delicious
hare chases other hares
dominance is established
hare practices boxing
the partner is defeated
hare runs another race
is too tired and loses

“I’ll just run to the store,”
said tortoise to failed entrepreneur

twinkle, twinkle
of the tree
knead, knead
of the cat
sing, sing
of the girl