old age

Because

the feral grey cat

was not blessed

with opposing thumbs

and death knew

where to perch

so ticks could suck

its neck,

there was not

one damn thing

it could do

to alleviate the itch.

It did not lament

impending death

and went on living,

hunting food,

rolling in the dust,

fleeing

just beyond the reach

of your touch.

7-10-22