This poem is an excerpt from the collection 'Black Cat and other poems' by author Shirley Siaton, published 16 February 2023. --------------------- BLACK CAT AND OTHER POEMS by Shirley Siaton Available on Amazon.com worldwide A collection of free verses written over the years in various stages of a young woman's life, 'Black Cat and other poems' is a journey of self-discovery, awareness and growth. Each poem is a story culled from an existence well savored, much like a cat's fabled nine lives. There are tales of lust, loss, melancholy, decay and awakening. Author Shirley Siaton-Parabia gives her heart, body and soul to the reader bare-bones, with no inhibitions or pretensions.