The Feral Cat

I watch the river ever journeying

And mourn for Your presence.

Why in this still beauty am I empty?

Why weary in my sun warmed pause?

Your voice calls and I cannot come.

I don’t know how.

The feral cat waits for me, wavering.

In an uncensored moment

I stroke the striped fur 

I know this gray  tiger with 

squinty eyes 

black nose

and a betraying purr.

Still

a flash of doubt 

changes his mind.

Batting, clawing,  hissing.

Mewing  that I should not leave.

A squeaky little mew.

Is my heart a feral cat?

Longing for love but never sure.

Avoiding adoption for alliance.

Ever moving on.

Kitty, come enter the house and be warmed

Sit on my lap and be fed

Belly and soul.

My heart is a feral cat.

Ever wandering and journeying

So Like the river.

2022