by Angela Patane

Created on: June 22, 2008

For Elliott

Four paws knead clawed carpet
at the bedroom door.

Orange fluff the color
of burnt rind aligns:

Mohawk crown of lion's
brown jeweled by off-white.

Tip-toed cub with the tail
of a tiger and

the arched whiskers of an
elder, sheer your claws

for an emergency
only: a lizard

loose in our house, or green
string dangling from two

taunting fingers. Your claws
are not for couches,

box springs, forearms or legs.
No curling at my

feet, tail whipping the bed,
until talons are shed.

Learn more about this author, Angela Patane.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.