|
If you are as sensitive to descriptions of cruelty to animals as I am, you might want to skip this one
"Cats, Remember"
Remember the drowning, young rough edged hands and drawstring bags, the burn of summer evening sunlight on burlap, thrashing elbows and knees of eight siblings and a mother, growling, angrier than a hiss.
Remember the stomach drop plunge into cold still water and the frantic swish of claw cutting faces, ears, paws, and the cool feeling of blood drawing away.
Remember the first to go down sudden stillness, an involuntary twitch. Remember when it was the one above you, her weight like a fist, pushing pushing.
Pushing weight without movement, just the bearing down, the still heart and heavy ribs above you like the collapse of a tired house under the dark green weight of kudzu vine. Just one kitten lump and then another, smaller, more compact. There is no sound, only the silent dis- solve of another lifetime disposed.
Remember this, when they feed you. Remember this, when the collar clicks on, when they stroke your kitten ears and pretend to love your slick satin coat and the white iron bones beneath.
Remember this, when it is time for warm baths or revolution.
—E.V. Noechel
|