Coax

Coax

Here, kitty, here, sweetie,
I’m calling you in from the dark,

my ankle shouldering
the screen door as it tries to close.

Honey, my dear dearie,
speaking of and to you sifts my voice

like powdered sugar,
the sound falls easily through the air.

I can crouch near the car
where you are, make kissing noises

with my mouth to coax
you out. When you are prepared,

sweetheart, come over here.
Yes, there are plenty of sudden movements

sponsored by gravity,
but none of them will come from me.