A snake of self-doubt slithers,
coiling through my thoughts,
& whispers reminders
of my worst moments,
rendering me restless.
Brain full of bees bouncing,
bringing distraction
like popcorn kernels popping
against my skull’s interior
as my focus fails.
An angered cat paces my mind,
arches her back
like a Halloween decoration
& blurts cruelties.
Regrets follow realization,
hackles lower.
Sadness squeezes my heart,
a sloth’s slow squishing embrace.
I suffer a certain silent agony
like a crushed coke can.
The zoo in my head runs wild.
My beloved returns all creatures to their cages
for a time.
How lucky I am to have found my zookeeper.