Soft pastels, 11” x 14”, Framed

Gray Cat In Ephesus 

By Annie Klier Newcomer

I observe her enter on all fours, 

and quietly take her place among

the ruins. She positions herself

atop a pillar hidden in plain sight.

Looking down on all who enter,

caring not why they come,

nor how long they plan to stay,

she only senses the inevitability

of their arrival.

Her tail's magnificent serpent

of fur coils round her base. 

Immobile, dignified like Cleopatra

on a throne in ancient times, solemn

to duty, she's intent to hold court.

Perfection in her posture pulls my eyes

towards her. She knows to ignore. 

Statues from antiquity have stone hearts.

Hers, beats.