Willis Poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

Get away from that dumpster.
How many times do I have to tell you?
I don't care about you pretending not to know me.
Turn your head the other way if you want to.
I know who you are.
It's not like you're wearing sunglasses!

'EXCUSE ME? '

Oh. Good morning.
I didn't see you sitting on your porch.
I was talking to my cat.
His name is Willis.
He knows I don't want him near or around this dumpster.

'I see.
I saw you the other day.
Talking to your...'cat'.
In fact, you were telling him,
How you thought you lost your bus pass.
You were carrying bags of groceries.'

I was talking to myself then.
But I had it in my pocket all the time.

'Is that right? Very interesting.
Well...
If I should see a cat wearing sunglasses,
I'll keep my eye on him.
Should I contact you?
Or call 911 to report my observations? '

Seriously.
I do have a cat.
I was being sarcastic when I said 'sunglasses'.

'Yep.
Named Willis, right?
I understand.
Trust me.
I see a lot from my porch.
It will be okay.
Keep your faith strong.
God's gonna make everything alright for you.'

Whatever!
Have a good day.
I know what you're implying.