We are just tabby cats hiding

In the hanging gardens of Ancient Times,

Watching as empires clash

And crash

And break apart under the weight

Of hubris and sponsored smiles.

We refuse to smell the smoke

While we leap from plant to flower

And cover the scent with the pollen

Of pruned and kept glory,

Only alive in memory now.

But what do cats know of

Steel and blood?

Of words and governments

In a war of fear?

We will soon collapse,

But the clock will lie

And stay still

For those still enjoying the flowers.

And until it all is rubble,

I will refuse

To look past the tulips.