‘Territorializing’: A Poem by Mark Stellinga

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Territorializing

Slithering slowly, so very precise,
A methodic invader (and catcher of mice),

She stealthily slips toward the enemy there,
So unsuspecting, at rest by the chair.

Without a diversion to aid her approach,
And only her instincts, I watch her encroach.

So lethal and cunning, the hair on her back
Stands rigid… it bristles before the attack.

Her innocent victim still lies unaware,
No clue he is fixed in the merciless glare

Of the eyes of a killer. With talons now bare,
His heartless attacker now springs through the air,

And, sinking her claws in the neck of her prey,
She arches her back and then hisses to say,

“No stupid dogs are allowed in this room.
Try this again and you’ll know the same doom!”

And off the dog whimpers, like you’ve never seen,
And I have to tell you… that kitten is mean!

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Mark Stellinga is a poet and antiques dealer residing in Iowa. He has often won the annual adult-division poetry contests sponsored by the University of Iowa Writer’s Workshop, has had many pieces posted in several magazines and sites over the past 60 years, including Poem-Hunter.com, PoetrySoup.com, and Able Muse.com—where he won the 1st place prize for both ‘best poem’ of the year and ‘best book of verse.’