cat lady

gate
Originally uploaded by Callooh.

Mainly she is kind.

spreading bird seed
in the feeder

hanging in the maple
that shades the front
so completely
that grass cannot see to grow, and whose
keys litter bare ground each year in
twirling fetal hopes

her hand
is smaller than you thought
reaches out from a too big
faded grey and fuzzy sweater
it has tissue paper lines that
you wait to crinkle as
she opens and lets go the seed

her step
is small, as she shuffles
back inside

Mostly she is alone.

except for her cats, who
rub her tiny legs – and
usually - will sit
with her
to watch the shaded yard
for birds.