pets my hand, a soft paw
a little claw to tickle
rubs her warm body
along my leg maybe
gives a headbutt before bed.
Ferocious, she aims
wiggles her behind
hurls
an attack
at foot or arm
working fiercely all four legs
the deadly kill-cat grip
I yelp, hey! Too hard
like a safe word
I’m not a mouse
we don’t do
blood sports,
She releases
without a scratch of regret
no broken skin
was only a nip of love
she gives a lick
to be sure I’m ok,
but her expression
that doleful look
as if to say
you’re such a pussy
is more than I can handle
