I show her how to put her arms around me,
but she-s much too small.
What-s worse, she doesn-t understand.
And
although she lies beside me, sticking
out her tongue, it-s herself she licks.


She likes my stroking hand.
And
even lets me kiss.
But at my demand:
-Now, do it to me, like this,�
she backs off with a hiss.


What-s in her little mind?
Jumping off the bed,
she shows me her behind,
but curls up on the rug instead.
I beg her to return. At first, she did,
then went and hid


under the covers. She-s playing with my feet!
-Oh, Boa, come back. Be sweet,
Lie against me here where I-m nice and warm.
Settle down. Don-t claw, don-t bite.
Stay with me tonight.�
Seeming to consent, she gives a little whine.


Her deep, deep pupils meet mine
with a look that holds a flood ...
But not my brand.
Not at all.
And,
what-s worse, she-s much too small.