Cat Napping

Spread out across the floor like a calico rug is
A cat. Its ears flicker, reacting to illusory tweeting. Whiskers
Protrude from its upper lips, glistening in the light of
The sun, looking like fine lines of wire; they
Twitch as if tickled. A hiss comes from its nose
As breath exits the nostrils. Its sides gently fall
And rise. Claws protrude from paws in response to
Imaginary birds fluttering behind its closed eyelids. In a rhythm
The tip of its tail hits the carpet with a thump
Like a drumstick striking against the surface
Of a drum. Thus lays the cat . . .
Restless and unquiet even in sleep.