Read Poem: Billy Collins Told Me, by Leah Pileggi

that it’s always nice to include
a cat
in a poem.

What about
my nonexistent cat should slink into this poem?
I’ll ask it.
It didn’t like the question.
It hissed its answer then
cut with its claw
the only security blanket I own,
my ratty robe, and now
it pooped in
the suitcase I forgot I owned.

I wish I could be comforted by
my nonexistent cat.

I should have explained
why a poem with a cat in it wouldn’t work out,
but did Billy Collins ever listen to me?

—
Author of PRISONER 88 (Charlesbridge)

http://www.leahpileggi.com

Author: poetryfest

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