WHITE CATS

The white cats are my emissaries.

Broken pieces of the distant moon

Fallen from the great full moon

They have come to me

          and I have sent them

          on to you.

The white cats are my friends

They will bring you bone and blood –

          pieces of the night

They will prowl the chambers of your memory

          and smother memories of me

They will tell me when you sleep.

The white cats are my locksmiths

They will open all the doors –

          except the final door

          to which I have the key.

The white cats are my scouts

They will lead me safely to your house

I will find my own way to your heart.

Santa Fe, NM
1984