Cat in the Trash

by Brad Johnson

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She throws the neighbor’s cat
into the trash and beats the can
with a broom until the handle
snaps. The trash can rocks
on its dents until the lid shakes
free and the cat runs out and off
like a cheetah chasing a gazelle.
The neighbor’s light turns on
and I think to hold her, to stand
together before the dark figure
appearing in the window, but
our baby continues screaming
and pulling at my collar as though
I can be any comfort to anyone.

 

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About the Author

Brad Johnson has two chapbooks Void Where Prohibited and The Happiness Theory available at puddinghouse.com. His third chapbook Gasoline Rainbow is available at finishinglinepress.com. Work of his has recently been accepted by Nimrod, Poet Lore, The South Carolina Review, The Southeast Review, Southern Indiana Review, Willow Springs and others.