night watchman

The cream colored feral cat

that patrols our neighborhood

and keeps us safe at night

strolls in the rain

down the middle of Landon Road

without an umbrella

Stops and asks

what the hell am I doing up

this time of night

I want to tell him

to mind his own business

but it’s never good to pop off

to a night watchman

I reply I am waiting to watch deer

sneak out of the park and

feed on my neighbor’s bushes

He shakes his head

ends our conversation and

walks on to finish his rounds

I drain my mint tea and go inside

before the possum and coon

come by and demand a treat

1-12-20

*title by the wife