A/N: Written for the Diversity Writing Challenge, Section A prompt #010 – write a poem over 150 words. This one clocked in at 180.
The Cat's Scratching Tree
I would have loved to go on like that,
scratching little superficial marks on trees
who'd already been scratched so thoroughly, those few extra
marks wouldn't be seen at all
And you didn't realise a thing, remember a thing –
but really, what did that matter? Because I remember
it all, those things you don't remember, and also
those things you don't yet know.
And I'm falling in love with you.
I know I am, but I can't
because of all the people in the world,
I cannot have you.
You're mother's said as much already too,
even though you don't yet know
And I lost the match earlier, even if it weren't;
to find you, grab your hand and take you
back home.
I lost that day; you were already back
by his, of all people's hands,
and I lost after that as well, too afraid –
Or maybe I was lying then as well,
that small amount of hesitation
that killed your mum, that was me
And those sorts of wounds are too deep
to be covered by little scars.