A big exhalation.
Time turned on.
Life awoke.

A CAT IN THE ALLEY
               (I don’t want to hurt you)

Blind and bleeding stray
cowers from approach.
               (“I only want to help you.”)
Stumble, step away,
the fresh red signs my forearm.
               (“I’m sorry to disturb you.”)
Later, I will thumb the marks
while laying with my boyfriend.
              What if I had claws?
              What more would I be guilty of?

I, too, am angry
and vulnerable, huddled
in the corner of this dark,
wet world.

flickering, a spark, and smoke in my nose
lighter on and off, thoughts oppose
leaning
then flailing
then realizing
ive been standing
maybe not strongly
but still standing
and the steps keep growing
lighter on
lighter off
and my face still glows