Open Throat

by Henry Hoke

I want to devour their sound I have so much language in my brain and nowhere to put it

my skin is starting to get loose and some of my fur drags and tugs on things it didn’t drag or tug on before it’s okay old is fine I’m old because I’m not dead

if you feel alone in the world find someone to worship you

she lets go of me and grips the wheel this is the long death from the inside

I’m a good emotional support cat and I’ll be tall for her

I love the photos says little slaughter now even if we leave we’ll still be here

I love her and I’m thankful for the time we’ve spent together whether she summoned me or I found her I’m excited for her image of our future a life far away

this is not about need no this is want it’s a terrible choice but I’m making it just like a person

I retract my claws and try to become the kitten at the center of my self