Do not mistake her soft tone

for genteel invitation;

cruel evidence I have seen

of small, misguided rodents

swallowed whole.

And you, sweet-feathered one,

preening beyond glass barrier,

would be no rare exception.

Disbelieve her call.

Within warm wash of light,

she lies always attentive –

eyes slit, ears a’twitch,

hostilities belied by tail’s flick,

by rumble, croon, and mew.

Believe me when I warn –

concealed in her tri-color coat

of fur she holds cruel daggers

to swipe and catch and eat you.

— C.Birde, 3/21