Cat in the Tank

A tabby in a patient role,

his only movement

to close a paw,

seeming to want a pen and ink

to record observations.

This machine as a screensaver.

Orange specks glint, as if lit

by electricity. They swim before

the expert's eyes, he counts

them, purring

at the realisation of his theory.

Then fish are fed, they rise.

The cat stretches a soft foot

towards the tank

noticing water reels away

blinking, as golden leaves

in an autumn breezed

confuse feline philosophy.

Mary Charman-Smith