Sanctuary

Dear uncle sold her into

Into the purest kind of slavery

Hood-eyed little middlemen profited

From damaged goods along the way

Good angels brought her back

To a last Nepal summer

Debased and hollow-faced

A smile might become her

Now she's cozied up cozied up

And comforted in the warm flush of September

Gone before winter wondering as to might-have-beens

Somebody's daughter in sanctuary waiting

Seen through softer cage of kindness

Far and further still away

From time-warp Victorian zoos

Where staring ice cream gameboys play

Big paws worn claws and swishing tails

More damaged goods in the market sales

Too proud for anger too late for hate

Resigned in dignity

Gone before winter purring might-have-beens

Somebody's kitten in sanctuary waiting

Gone before winter wondering as to might-have-beens

Somebody near you in sanctuary waiting