at peace

i admire the neighborhood
black cat.
how she endures
the weather, the cold,
being put out at night
to wander.

i saw her the other day
walking slowly through
the parking lot
in the pouring rain.

not a care, not a hint
of trouble in her gait.
she's been through so
much, i think. nothing
bothers her now.

she's at peace with what
life has served her.

she almost seems to smile
with her candy green eyes
when she looks over at
me, standing in the door.

i believe she even winked
at me.