It was Noah's idea
that my ancestors
should travel two by two
on his big crowded boat;
no one allowed to procreate –
no kittening.

Karnak was cat heaven. Hetshepsut, Nefretiri;
those Queens built gold altars, made Puss Mummies to sleep
in the Cat City of the Dead. Loved them to death.

Later Still

When Mohammed's cat slept upon the wide cuff of
his sleeve, he cut it off.
The cat dreamed on, un-
till the Infidel slayed them both. Love can kill you.

Much Later

Don't ask about Salem.
Not a good place to be
black. Beloved of Satan
we loved where we lived. It
was guilt by association.
Sound familiar?

Now

I am of the tiger's
tribe; a hunting, mate-ing,
cub-ing, member of
the pride. Loving's risky.
Safe on the roofs, in the alleys
I keep moving.