Mr. Cat

Mr. Cat sits,
nose pressed against the window,
watching the starlings as they
flit
from bush to bush.

A quiet, shuddering breath escapes him.
Tail tip twitches.

The starlings laugh, shaking their wings.

Mr. Cat stares,
eyes tracking their movements,
body tense,
ready to spring.

The starlings mock,
fly dangerously close.
Flutter away.

Mr. Cat watches,
waits,
then jumps down
and,
seeking solace in his food bowl,
banishes all thought of bird
in exchange for store-bought kibble.