Between Bruises & Blooms

You curled against me
like you wanted sleep,

then declared war
on the hand that loved you.

Tiny paws,
needle claws,
a pink nose pressed close
as if violence
and affection
were the very same language.

You wrapped yourself
around my wrist
like a living bracelet,

purring between attacks,
certain you were
saving us both
from the dangerous beast
called my fingers.

It’s impossible
to be annoyed

when the monster
trying to keep me awake

fits
in one hand.