147. The Cat Came Back

---

I hear the cat meowin’

Though he hit the sack –

Thought he went to kitty dreamland

Guess he’s still got things to pack.

I hear the cat meowin’

Out there in the wood –

Went wand’rin’ cross the railroad tracks

Since I told him that he should.

I hear the cat meowin’

In the fireplace –

He saw the flames there flickerin’

Lured ‘pon a sizzlin’ space.

I hear the cat meowin’

Down there in the lake –

Must’ve seen fish sleepin’ there

And to the depths did take.

I hear the cat meowin’

Six feet underground –

And the only thing more bone-chilling

Is the nearness of the sound.

I hear the cat meowin’

Out there in the hall –

I see his shadow stretching out

Hear soggy pawsteps fall.

I hear the cat meowin’

Clawing at my door –

The claws snap off in splinters since

He’s not living anymore.

I hear the cat meowin’

Perched upon my bed –

I might have gotten rid of him

But he’ll never leave my head –

Familiar purring for the dead.

---