The cats
the gerbils
the fish and the macaw
all look at her
with loving eyes
as she comes into their home
after a long day away.

They are patient.
They are kind.
They are adoring
in their demeanor
and make no demands
as she fills their various bowls
and tanks
and, in one cat’s case,
long-finished spam cans
with the spice of life
the music of taste buds
the dinners of the day.

They show their thanks to her
and go about their business
whether in cage or tank
or running about
free as birds
– except for the macaw
where the simile falls flat.

The animal kingdom
that she oversees
speak no ill of their mistress
for they all know
that the day she forgets to feed them
is the day they set the plan
for her long-awaited murder.