the cat likes to be nearby
but not fussed over
the only time she rubs against my leg
is in the kitchen, begging for food
occasionally she’ll curl up beside me while i sit
or lay at our feet on the bed at night
most evenings it’s the back of the sofa or chair
while we all watch tv from our customary places
she loves us, but at arm’s length
and that’s fine with me
i pretty much keep to myself too
but, unlike the cat
i don’t know how to tell you
i’m hungry
cat at arm's length 