“Peanut”

What must his face,
framed in such extreme
softness, feel attempting

entry at all costs 
through the barred door

Spanish cats say "miau"
while this one cries
MOWWW, repeated 

in the reckless spirit 
of giving 
and the hounding 
animosity of needing

Take my love
There's no time to spare 
We are fast falling

White paws
solicitous, drooped
like the corner of his
still-moon eyes

as he is shamelessly
evoking some
sense into you