Month: April 2012

Cat’s Tail
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Quietly through the streets I creep,
Pawsing to scratch behind my ears or bite a flea.
What’s that? Darting left, darting right,
I pounce! Oh sweet mouse,
Did you think to escape me?
Home. Scratch, scratch at the door.
I reward my human with a rub between the legs,
A soft rumble as she puts down the food.
I wash my face and jump in my human’s lap.
I rumble louder as she strokes me.
I butt her face with mine. She kisses me.
Humans are funny, but necessary.
I think I’ll keep mine.

Fog

The fog comes
on little cat feet.

It sits looking
over harbor and city
on silent haunches
and then moves on

That’s Me
by Wayne Jackson (1951-1989)

That’s me, I thought, strange around the edges, the ultimate jackoff, the big ripoff, bloodsucker king, the fuck you man man, the boy lost in a crowd, lip pouting fool. So what? Big damn deal. To hell with it.
It’s something to laugh about. Sometimes I’m not so nice. I’ve got memories to prove it.
We topped out that night at Alfreds. Harry went first, of course. We left him leaning and hugging the fat barmaid, wimpering about some God damn dog he had. Big deal.We’ve all had dogs before for Christ’s sake. Then James. No weepy scene this time, just peacefull dreams in the alley. I left him my coat and walked off. A block later I got cold and went back. “Dream on you shivering bastard”, I said.

Caminhando Em Um Campo De Lirios

Cedo na manhã
O orvalho está na erva
O cheiro da terra
Está nas minhas narinas
O verito no meu cabelo
E um pássaro desperta do seu sono de noite
A manhã está clara
E um pássaro começa voar
As suas crianças tem fome
A mama e a papa
Buscam vermes

(translation to Portuguese by Jodey Bateman)

***

Walking In A Field Of Lilies

Early in the morning
The dew is on the grass
The smell of the earth
Is on my nostril
The wind on my hair
And a bird is waking from a night’s sleep
Morning is clear
And a bird is on the wing
Babies are hungry
And mama and dad
Are looking for worms
***