Pussy

I know you as Cat! 
You brushed against my shin, flicked your tail at my calves tickled me to goosebumps until I picked you up. We were young, fast and attention seeking. We leapt off the compound walls, when we landed on fours.  You were perfect while I bruised my elbows. 
Stupid cat, chasing random things I threw, perpetually boxing tiny objects with your soft paws. I wanted to bite your cute face, until you were banished from home after you cat-walked in, with a half alive squirrel. 
I learnt your name changed with your skin. I saw your claw marks carved into our wooden chicken coop door. You only took what you could chew. They hated you while I wondered what happed to you. You were called a Kaatu Poocha (wild cat). Your wicked stories spread like wild fire triggered by the mysterious pair of glowing orbs in the dark. Even the comics I read antagonized you.
I was suddenly forbidden to wander at night. What if your relatives took me away? Instead, the city took me away. I saw more of you in cages, in cartoons and calendars. They called you a menace, wore your claws and teeth as trophies. My family hid your skin with ivory and deer antlers in the attic. 
I grew up to be a curious cat, discussing pussies and cougars with the boys, not making the connection with you. Sometimes we called other boys, who were not man enough a “pussy”!
…..
Two elevated spirits spotted you for me. 
The dim light behind you, drew your curvy body. 


Wild.


Tall, sharp ears, tail slicing air.
I froze.
What if you attacked?


I breathed.
I wanted you to charge, 


I would fight you and survive with scars.
But you passed by,


You were afraid.
So was I. 

Pussies.