She scooped the cat food from the can And told him of her love He cooed to her in pleasant mew A feline morning dove

She leaned against the countertop Hip-checked stale air away And cast her eyes to the can in her hand Scared of what he’d say

His reply came nigh like he’d promised A gentleman true-to-word She held her hand over her heart A duly chastised girl

Because breaking — it was breaking Right there beneath her hand The beats ceased with her breathing Betrayed by love’s cold hand

She held the note steadfast and hard Thumbprints on the page And snatching at the can of food She sealed his meal away