Grace Is A Stray Cat

that interrupts my morning routine

of walking the labyrinth at sunrise.

When I reach the spot where I ask,

“Forgive me my trespasses as I forgive,”

a purr curls around my leg

and pronounces absolution.

We stand in silence together

for a while noticing small

movements in nearby bushes.

Almost every day this says to me,

“Stop trying so hard to pay attention,

and just pay attention!”

Then she moves on to other prey.