Tiger Tiger Burning Bright

stripes on the bedsheet
where the moonlight creeps
through the closed slats
of the cheap plastic sheet

stripes on the striped cat
who pines alone
for the taste of blood
she has recently known

striped are her feelings
one black one white
pulling her , needling,
not giving her respite

Tonight the striped cat
stays wide awake
hoping the hunger
will abate and forsake