Sanctum

Bronwyn Lovell

I call sweetly
but it’s the cupboard
my cat likes best

snuggled at the back
of the bottom shelf
like a feather duster.

She can be enticed
but not forced
from this spot.

Secure within
straight surfaces
she feels are solid,

she can sleep
without being
disturbed.

I have spent years
curled up 
beyond touch, 

shrinking 
comfortably
into shadows,

ears deaf
to my own
calling.