WHO NEEDS?

A WOMAN WAITS FOR A MAN WHO SELDOM SHOWS AND HAS ONLY HER CAT.

I don't suppose he'll come,
he seldom does.

I wait by the window
looking out;
only a sky
and passing views
to occupy me as I wait.

I dressed ready for him
and yet he does not come.

Athena, he'll say,
I can't come today,
something has turned up
unexpectedly.

When he does come,
when he's here,
then we make love
and lay in bed until
all hours and exhaust
ourselves listening
to the passing traffic
and people.

He is not coming;
I will not be made love to;
I am alone, yet not alone.

I have my cat
to keep me company
and play with.

It's fur to stroke
and its purring
to bring me joy.

Who needs a man?
Who needs a boy?