Never Too Late (KID)

I knew I was running late.
It was a race against the clock
and I was desperate –
something had to be done.
Kate had to be stopped –
couldn’t let my buddies down.
Couldn’t let her continue
to take our words
all those words…
oh, no, not my precious
little words.
I went to her home, at night, after dark.
She wasn’t there,
I figured the deed was done
but just in case,
I had to put my plan into action.
Yes, I kidnapped her cat – the fish
smell Kate left on me was a lure.
Ha! Kate, ha, ha! I say,
your scheme backfired.
I looked at the cat point black,
and eyeball to eyeball.
He stared back with round pancake eyes.
I narrowed my eyes: “Take me to your leader,” I said.
Meaw, meaw, he shook his head no.
I pulled my gun – I had no choice,
poor little thing, it trembled a bit,
but I didn’t care – it wasn’t him I wanted,
he was just a tool, a pawn in the real game,
I wanted Kate!
Funny how they talk under pressure.
The thought of the Friskies she feeds him
was no competition for my pointed gun.
He walked ahead of me, I followed.
Pulled my raincoat collar up,
readjusted my gaudy red hat,
and continued my angry pursuit.
He led me to Reindeer’s forest.
I couldn’t believe my eyes!
“This is a tree, you stupid feline!”
“This is what remains of Kate.”
I cocked my gun – he swallowed.
“Would I lie to you under the circumstances?”
He asked, trembling like a leaf.
“I guess not… now scram!”
The cat scurried through the forest.
“Too late,” I thought, “it’s finished…
or maybe… not.”
I put my gun away inside my
raincoat pocket, and took out my
(FUSHIA WEED KILLER)
Then I dove into the ground
and began fishing for all my lost words,
Oh, my babies, here you are at last!
I had to make sure – here’s the list.
It had wrinkled in my sweaty hand,
but no matter; I could still read it:
Peepo, pipo, falling, fonics, rime,
estaple, paranoide, verdent,
I was so exited I had to stop reading.
My words, at last, were mine again.
May the force be with you, Kate,
You may rule the forcep, forest
but you can't have my words!!

Carmen Ruggero .2004