from "The Secret Language of Birds" (p)2000

Dear uncle, sold her into
Into the purest kind of slavery
Hood-eyed little middlemen profited
From damaged goods along the way

Good angels brought her back
To a last Nepal summer
Debased and hollow-faced
smile might [bad word] her

Now, she's cozied up, cozied up [bad word] in the warm flush of September

Gone before winter, wondering as to might-have-beens
Somebody's daughter in sanctuary, waiting

Seen through softer cage of kindness
Far and further, still away
From time-warp Victorian zoos
Where staring ice cream gameboys play

Big paws, worn claws and swishing tails
More damaged goods in the market sales
Too proud for anger, too late for hate
Resigned in dignity

Gone before winter, purring might-have-beens
Somebody's kitten in sanctuary, waiting

Gone before winter, wondering as to might-have-beens
Somebody near you in sanctuary, waiting