I'm sorry fishies,
there was no inkling
of needs you would need.

The aquarium
clouds their indignant
glares for nurturance.

Cats' box abandoned-
they scratched my sleep; I
drove, humming "Born Free..."

The pup in the pound
won't make bail this trip,
she might have guessed it.

Cockroaches, fleas, ants
are remarkably
independent; they thrive.

Roethke's maid sacked his
geranium-- I'd
have scrapped both sooner.

The last four lovers
required coffee,
reconditioning.

Three yard sales in two
years avow my ache
to loosen shackles.

But this ten year old
boy rants mornings; knows
no humility.

He keeps me, thus far
a housepet, fearing
teenaged abandon.