maudlin

Our kitty, Beyellen, has gone astray, and I am distraught. The dog prefers to hang out in her garden apartment rather than to hang out with me in the house. Perhaps the intermittent sobbing has something to do with that. I try to distract myself with watching the caulk dry on the kitchen counter and am seriously considering touching up the paint in the bathroom, maybe working in the garage for an hour. To my credit, I am not seriously thinking about cleaning the house. I considered golf, but honestly cannot concentrate and don't want to sully the game with my wretchedness. I think I'll drive into town, maybe go to the farmers' market; I'd check the mailbox, but I know she's not there.

It'll Be a While

I guess it 'll be a while
before I can bear to look out that window
again.
I see you there, poised and petulant.

It'll be a while before I can
walk down Sunridge without looking back
to see if you're following,
waiting 'til you catch up.

It'll take some time before I stop checking
the patio door
to make sure
I didn't hear you out there on the step.

Every rustling branch
brings me to the door,
to the windows, heart
in my throat,
a hole in my heart
just your size.

Hey, Diddle Diddle

A mid-September rain pours
down, the gray sky light
and rain straight down the windowpanes

Low clouds feather down Limbaugh Canyon

I scan the woods,
looking for our beloved Beyellen,
wishing her appearance,
listening for her at the door,
seeing her silhouette
in the kitchen window, one paw
slightly raised in elegant appeal

She has gone missing.
I imagine she is with Mr Jeeves,
a handsome tuxedo cat with a bobbed
tail,
a local gentleman cat who has sought
adventure: a feline fling.

Hey, diddlediddle

I imagine they are living in that vacant house
down on Wheatridge Street.
Mr Jeeves brings her fresh mice and an occasional
squirrel.
They dance by the light of the Harvest Moon.
They are safe and dry and there is no need
to worry.
They are safe and dry.

I will wait.
She will soon come
up the drive, tail at full mast.
The back door is ajar.
They are waiting out the rain.