the cat fight

spines arch in a battle rhythm

of sinew, spit

and claw-sharp poetry

 

whisker-bristle

arched-back

lightning

 

a shadow

no, two

 

spitting static and needle-clawed fury

 

a yowl

splits the alley night like torn silk

a hiss with teeth

 

moonlight splinters on claw tips

ears flat-razor

eyes like yellow shrapnel

tick tick tick the tails flick…

 

bodies roll, knot and split ‘til

 

one shadow slinks triumphant

 

the other

melts into night

 

Done