Cat Tree

I sleep alone.
I like it this way.
I don’t take care of you these days.
The work I do, now
I get paid.

I gaze at skyscrapers shining back at me,
They wink in the reflection of the river,
And I beam back at those metal towers,
Not into your eyes.

I dance before bed, in the kitchen,
Not for your seduction,
But because I felt a vision.
Coffee pots at 8am,
New license plate,
New perspective.

When I catch a stranger’s eye,
I smile.
Nobody’s forcing me to hide.

My paints don’t blend into one brown,
My shoes go places new to me.
I wipe the rain off my cold cheeks,
And keep walking toward the thrift shop.

No alcohol, no numbing needed,
All love and lights,
Your pain receding.
Embroidered fleece and long red scarves,
My Merino wool.

When I lean into the cat tower by the window,
It’s gratitude I weep with.
To sleep alone, to celebrate.
I take care of me these days.
A lightweight smile, because:
I like me this way.