Metaphor

 

through my cat’s insistence

I telegraph regret

at my inability to save everyone. 

an inadequacy I should have accepted years earlier 

my sweet feline friend

cuddles with me on the living room sofa while I read

at night in bed,  

I sleep on my side 

he sleeps on me

he asks for nothing

vibrates a cure 

of self-forgiveness 

or so I like to imagine. 

here, boy, be the messenger 

take my mistakes

walk through a crowded room 

tail up, flagging the news 

desire and intention

my metaphor for

perfection in a hallway mirror,