Car Culture Killed my Father's Cat
(Shawn Duncan, 1996)

1.
this is america
land of BIG roads and BIG people
who need BIG cars

beware of them
for life goes on
in the drive through culture

2.
car culture killed my fathers cat
he now lies in the street
as other cars can have their way
with him

as i drive up in mine
i see glitter in the street
a dime store kitty collar
stopped, neutral, e-brake

ah hell leave it running
stereo on
suburban punk rats play
its my fathers cat
save for a few parts

carry him into the backyard
set kitty on the lawn
my dog watching the sad darkness
as i leave to park the car

in the old house
hardwood floors moan under my footsteps
i knock on the door
and again

and again

finally he is up
squinting and blind
positioning his glasses
yes, what is it?
scratch (the cat) is dead
found him in the road
where is he now?
out on the lawn

3.
time for bed
standing in the bathroom
a glance out the window

i see my father

holding the cat in his arms
just looking
at the body-

crying.