SISYPUSS AMONG THE GARBAGE CANS

Sisypuss among the garbage cans
curls his tail round a band
of bloody cuts and broken claws
mementos of old lethal wars.

The circling of a buzzing fly
about his dull and aching head
reminded him of last night’s fight
of flying fur, and valor’s flight



Sisypuss among the table scraps
fish cakes with poi, brought him no joy
for once he sallied 'long the alley
once he was King,
until he met the dreaded Agamemnon.

The way I heard this tragic story
Sisypuss met a blonde angora
with pure bred guise, and almond eye
who called herself Aurora.

One night while on his usual prowl
our hero met this Jezebel
there just above him, on a fence
the purest sight of loveliness

Aurora, nee Aurorastein
first arched her back then purred sublime
then preened her paws, and ears behind
Sisypuss ‘bout lost his mind.

And from that night, when first they kissed
he fell in love but she just hissed
until the fateful time did come
and the dreaded Agamemnon.

The cad in question was a brute
an alley cat of ill repute
now he was with Aurora fair
it was more than Sisypuss could bear.

Our trodden hero turned his back
and Agamemnon then attacked
a battle royal then ensued
for the honor of this feline shrew!

Sisypuss atop a rubbish cart
there dying of a broken heart
long shadows drew across the way
would he live to fight another day?

Sisypuss among a day old meal
his wounded heart began to heal
and as he stared into the light
he knew he’d prowl another night.

© 2006 Stephen Labovsky