By randi
Date: 24 June 1998

Leaving the litter box behind

Keys in the ignition, door propped open and one foot still on the driveway.
A lazy wind meanders its way through the tangled locks of my hair,
Gently turning my head to face your window. A light
Blinks on , you close the shade, and I am left staring at your silhouette,
wondering what tonight would have been like if
I had allowed myself to be with you.

You didn’t laugh or disagree with me when I said I had to go, you
Only sighed, casually, as though there were no words to express
Your disappointment.
As you reached down to pick up my shoes,
my thoughts wandered to ruby slipper’s,  I‘ll click my heels now and go.
I see you looking out from beneath the shade, are you wishing
I had gone by now? Do you wonder why I am still here, staring at the window
as if some lunacy has creeped into my brain? Are you awaiting your next
prospect? Phone already dialed, call already placed,
Your back up on her way to you now.

Frightening it would be if I suddenly changed my mind and crept back to your
door
Scratching like a kitten, meowling to get in, rubbing up against your
Leg in hopes that you will toss me a morsel or reach down and stroke me.
I would creep into your lap, my body vibrating with purrs
My tail twitching ever so slightly. Maybe she would join us. Yes I could be
with you if I was a cat.

But I am not a cat,
And that reminds me to stand tall, throw my shoulders back
Drag my fingers through my hair, turn the key and drive away.

copyright Denise Elliott. Work may be reproduced with permission of the author.