The Trust of Animals
It’s no small thing
This cat curled in your lap
Eyes shut, purring
It matters
As much to you
As to them
This unlikely kinship
The meeting of large and small
Wild heart and civilized mind
Confidence in kindness
Easily given or
Incrementally earned
You’ll know
As you step over
The unflinching little body
Sprawled on your floor
You’ll know
When you’ve crossed the border
Into animal territory
