by Beth Cato
the astronaut's transport idles
outside the house
as it has for ten minutes
for there is a cat on the astronaut's lap
draped over both thighs
the woman is pinned in place
as if flattened by a furry anvil
the cat purrs
bares its belly
the woman strokes those soft
tabby stripes
thinks of how the spaceflight will be
so very long
the transport honks again
the astronaut continues to pet the cat
memorizes how the purr vibrates
through her legs
how clouds of loose fur
drift through the air