You had a black cat and a tiger cub
Equal in size, equal in ferocity.
All silk fur and knife teeth- you said they were just playing
But they bit and scratched only me.
Scars incurred were real.

You experimented, scientifically, with my childhood belongings
In the back of our broken down truck.
You didn't know they were mine.

We played chess, us and another
Someone unimportant enough to forget, I suppose
Since I already have.
There was a scandalous edge to it.
Something dark, dangerous. Exciting.
You made me a promise when you took my queen.
I couldn't quite understand what it was.

Later you played basketball, alone in the dark
You car headlights providing the only stars.
I followed you
Found you playing horse, a sad game alone.

There was electricity in the air
Waiting to shock someone.
Waiting to shock us.
You were about to say something magnificent....

If only I could return.
If only I could hear you say it.
If only I could escape the felines for good.