pretense - shattered

 

There's something about the lick of a cat

rough and gentle

that speaks of quiet nights and peace.

(Even though I hate the sight of that cat,

she's old and mean and doesn't like to cuddle.)

 

There are times when she pretends well – acts

like one would expect a cat to act, and yet

at that last second.

The split before your hand reaches the back of her neck

the pretense shattered, your hand touches nothing.

 

And so, each day. You'd think I'd learn

the cat doesn't like to be touched.

Yet I try, I get sucked into the calmness that surrounds

a sleeping cat

Teased by burnished black fur, glossy under the overhead light,

lulled into believing that this once, she'll capitulate.

 

Such is the curse of eternal optimism. Even the rats in the maze; even Pavlov

was successful in teaching his dogs the meaning of repetition.

Here I am, stuck in the endless loop of choosing to believe the best,

even from an old black cat that hates the world. Lucky for me she doesn't have claws.

Reviews

[VERONICA]

Nice social commentary on optimism, but rather bleak though. Humorous last line but food for thought- think about the bigger picture: Do optimists get scratched back by our negative society or are they merely in a loop? I have no idea but it'd be something you could explore and could ultimately change your ending.

Well written and it flowed awesomely- But I'm not sure that "There are times when she pretends well" grammatically makes sense. I'd look into that along with: "The split before your hand reaches the back of her neck" which makes no sense although I understand what you're trying to say maybe: "Then she splits before..." is what you meant. I just found myself rather confused at those parts.

The first paragraph is amazing by the way! Great job! XD