the new possum

tonight i saw a possum at my newer home
for the very first time, there he went
crossing the patio, quiet, stealth

i remember the very first time i saw one
i was petrified
now, i like them...

it was a warm sign to see one tonight

of course i was alerted, not so quietly
by Herr Gato, meowing by the window

loud

'an old friend!?' he thought, 'perhaps...'
'good old possums,' he meowed!
'like those we met, ... back in Normal Heights'

me and death

i try to forget about her
but she keeps on appearing, everywhere

there's a small young possum dead
trapped under my back door
half body in, half body out
but completely dead

and my neighbor's cat...
and this mysterious pain in my breast

when i breath
when i care
when, for the cats, i search

i keep on being reminded
of how fragile life is
and of the constant menace
she is, always

'cause where there's life
and there's hope
she likes to lurk
to ensnare!

i wish i could
about her, forget
but as soon as i misrecollect her
she comes forth again!

she's a constant threat

please please
oh death!
do go away
i'd like to breath
i'd like to forget