MIMI

curled up
between
the sidewalk
and a car

so skinny
i could see your bones
so blue
your eyes

so tiny
so delicate
i thought i’d crush you
in my hands

you were awaiting
patiently
sweetly
the coming of Death

but then
we fed you
and you happily forgot
about your date

i sat down
to watch you
your skin hanging
feast

and as soon
as you were done
you climbed
onto my lap

and my heart
painfully
swell
to embrace yours

you started
meowing
and never
shut up again

you have so many
meows
for each of us
and each occasion

your fur so white
your nose
unbearably pink
your eyes sky-blue

your polite silent
meow
when i meowed back
a little too much

your soft paws
never once
scratched
not even the dogs

your shaky
little legs
took you up the trees
in no time

feeding you
four times a day
my mum turned you
into a chubby queen

and when she thought
you two alone
she spoke to you
in a singsong voice

mid-pee
in the upstairs bathroom
i would giggle
and weep quietly

and now
they say you are
sick
dying

not even
a year
of cuddles
and good meals

i want to point
a finger
to shout
at someone

how is this
even possible
who allowed
this

and yet
i feel
i always knew
you were not here

to stay.