The Trigger (Poetry)

What makes a gentle loving cat
all of a sudden turn and scratch
the hand that just moments before
had ruffled playful that same fur?

What has a docile feline spit
and growl with angry tail a-swish
when much more often a deep purr’s
what nature has on offer there?

What trigger makes those hackles rise
unsheath sharp claws and narrow eyes
in fierce defense of some cruel threat
thus usual temper’s all upset?

It surely must hark back to some
dark treatment in a former home
and there’s a mental switch that flicks
from time to time recalling it

Poor Kitty’s not responsible
for this attack’s not personal
pure instinct rules — the ones to blame
are those who hurt her — theirs the shame