Cat's Cradle

Mistress of a magic mischief

The only rein she ever would accept

Was that with which she lightly held us all,

A soft elastic net in which the debt

Was strongest felt when distance stretched its haul

Furry ginger whirling Dervish

Spinning spells around her careless capture,

A playful hand wrapped in a swirling ball,

Curling unsheathed claws in spiteful rapture,

Scratches stinging still in memory's trawl.