Woman

I am a woman.

It is complexity of gender

Which makes me state emphatically

This most simple of facts.

I am a free woman.

I take a pill to control my body,

To keep it free,

To stop any man owning me for longer 

Than the span of his pleasure.

I am a young woman.

I am careless if not carefree 

I have no lines across my face

I have the future, 

No matter how brief or long

To dwell on. 

I am a person.

Of nature unspecified, 

Of love undersigned 

Of consideration given and taken.

Cat Shit.

A suspect smear on speckled lino

Could be mud, chocolate or spilt espresso 

Could be a flaw in the cheap design

But ....

No.

For a moment as I sit and stare

At the litter tray over there

It would be so easy to ignore.

But ....

No.

Gloves on for closer inspection,

Breath held tight in anticipation

Eyes squinting to enhance perception

Sleeves rolled up to avoid contamination 

And ....

Is it .... ?

Wait .... !

No!!!!

But ....

Yes. 

Cat Shit.