Dust Kitten

Aunt Carol's 'darling' little cat,

a ceramic lump, just sitting flat.

I found it buried, in the mess,

still wrapped in tissue, more or less.

Those painted whiskers, cheap and bold,

a story I've already told.

"Oh, it's just perfect, truly grand!"

The lie felt heavy in my hand.

It never saw a single cup,

just gathered dust, then got piled up.

A useless gift, a broken charm,

kept safe from any actual harm.