Black cat approaches the porch,
up the steps, deliberate
one at a time
glaring her yellow eyes.
I’m on her love seat in the sun
and she’s not happy.

Just yesterday I watched
as she pawed at a garter snake,
first she retreating, then the snake,
a stand-off I thought, who would
win?

When I came back she was chewing
on its carcass.
Don’t mess with the black cat
who knows her turf.