the lioness

she moves like a cat moves
and takes the spot
closest to the window
when we sleep.
she sheds her clothes
beside my bed
and leaves black hair
on my sheets.
before i close my eyes,
she'll curl her head
on my chest
and purr when i touch her.

and i'll dream about
being her scratching post
and carving a future
on dull walls
with sharp claws.

she moves like a cat moves
and leaps out of bed
in the morning
to find solitude
and secret pathways
before the night
leads her back into my arms.