The Intruder

The Intruder

By: Joy Ortiz

She crept into my lap

Silently,

Curling herself neatly,

A warm and furry

Intrusion. 

Busy,

As always,

I reached around her,

Trying to continue

Everything more important. 

Impossible. 

Frustrated,

I glared down

Into wide, green eyes

And innocence. 

She rebuked me. 

Slowly

I laid down

My priorities,

Instead burying

My fingers

Deep in her fur,

Fueling

Luxurious purrs. 

How long did I pause

My frantic mind

To bask 

In the wonder

Of her?

She fell asleep,

Remaining

To warm my belly,

And something colder

Within me

Thawed. 

How different

Would the world become

If everyone

Stopped

To pet the cat?