the hawk’s claw opened

and

down

to the earth fell the kitten.

the dog

picked her up and carried her ,

placing her gently before

the human.

the human picked up the kitten,

(half way between earth and sky,)

she lay limp cradled in human hands.

puncture wounds from sharp claws –

neck snapped.

no more purrs.

oh! small feral being,

i too am falling –

why do i mourn your loss of breath more than the hawks loss of breakfast?

and the dog still wants to play.