Stray

The way the cat looked at me
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx after his treat–

xxxxxxx the difference was ours has a home.

And God I am so ashamed.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx They are the same

but I was on our unfamiliar
xxxxx porch
xxxxxxxxx swinging

a bag of sustenance

xxxxxxxx like unlimited pleasure

xxxxxxxxxxxxx you needed

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx for survival

***

James Croal Jackson is the author of The Frayed Edge of Memory (Writing Knights Press, 2017). His poetry has appeared in Columbia Journal, Rattle, Hobart, FLAPPERHOUSE, and elsewhere. He edits The Mantle from Columbus, Ohio. Find him at jimjakk.com and @jimjakk.