my cat is unconscious most
of the time
but when he's conscious
he's really conscious
he follows every movement
of the hand,
chases blue bottles
as though they were
mice,
doesn't premeditate
or strive for anything.
just watches licking himself
all contented in his own
skin.
he knows nothing of self
sacrifice because he doesn't
see a self.
and he doesn't bark or
shit on the rug,
doesn't greet you by jumping
at your leg
the most you'll get is a purr
as he weaves figures of eights
between your legs.
he gets bored
strolls upstairs
climbs gracefully onto the
window sill
and sits in silence watching
the world go by.
you sit on the bed
light a cigarette and join
him.
