(Student Submission)
Theme: Alone Together
Artist Statement:
The most interesting part of quarantine has been seeing how constant company affects my cat. Her habits and personality have changed as a result of the crisis, just like mine have. She follows me around the house and has become incredibly vocal. Who knows if pets are aware that anything is out of the ordinary? But when the isolation and uncertainty feel overwhelming, it’s my cat’s innocence and softness that keep me grounded, especially when we’re just staring at the ceiling, alone together.
Company:
My cat
Lies in the center of the living room
I lie with her. We stretch
raise our arms to the sun
In a one-window room
I like the mornings where I don’t have to say anything
I lie on the couch and dream that someone makes me breakfast
I lie in bed and feel the emptiness of the town around me
So many empty apartments, so much work left to do.
My cat
Forces me to leave my bedroom
Iies down on the carpet. Speaks.
I stare at the ceiling
Hold a soft, clawed paw
Try to focus
Last night I walked out at three am
And saw wild animals in the parking lot
The opossums weren’t scared, they just hurried
The skunks bounced around with arched backs
My cat
Watched us from the window
Waiting for me to come home
Made me come back
Instead of walking away
I work hard for a future that looks less certain every day
The government calls to deport my friends
We sleep during the day and work during the night
Try to think of things to look forward to
My cat
Grabs my hand with her paws sometimes
Looks me in the eyes. It could be
An encouragement, to keep trying
Or maybe just a cat
Watching quarantine pass by.