House Panther

Tiny pawprints on my naked breast,

you chirp, mimicking your morning prey.

A hungry cuckoo, how sneaky you are!

Your winter coat beckons my numb fingers,

as you press our chins to touch.

I’ve missed you, sweet predator!

What did you snatch as I dozed?

A housefly? A silverfish?

It’s not in your nature to boast.

Here, rest in the crook of my arm,

and dream of deer-like spiders.