PRIDE (SONNET WITH A KINDLE OF COLLECTIVE NOUNS)

In the Family Falidae, that cat ̶
carnivora, cluster of queens; some butch,
some cute, fine clutter of kitty-K chats:
all ruffs, pearls & paw-lick kitlings  ̶  that touch,
velvet; a dainty wee fawn’s new-nubbed tines,
the just-so indigo glean of Janet
cat’s jacket, as you stroke her spine (supine,
she’ll deign you submit a sturdy pat)
̶ in this once pounce of glares, petticoat tails
& starch-stuffed cravats, we became uncollared,
quit kidding in gloves, unleashed gliskit nails.
Fur splendid, we yawn; killers, we holler.
      Be not fooled by mewls, discard pedigrees;
      one tail’s swish & we’ll have you on your knees.