i know about cats

the cat slips out the door
and runs into the street.
off she goes
never to be seen again.

it was a house cat.
unaware of what
lies
beyond the door, the couch,
the window sill.

it's tragic.
and saying that there are
a lot more cats in the world
doesn't help
the person who lost the cat.

so you say nothing of the sort.

but in time, another cat
does appear curled in
your bed, warm, purring
safe upon your lap,

you think it's true love
at last,

until she too runs away
and disappears,

then another. the world,
indeed, is full
of cats that disappear
without a trace, cats you
thought you knew but
don't.

I know about cats, they
can't be trusted.