Alan Catlin
Alan Catlin has two recent full-length books of poetry published, Landscape of the Exiled (Dos Madres) and Unattended (Cyberwit). His book of short fiction featuring a cynical world weary wise guy bartender, The Naked City is being published by Anxiety Press, and his poetry collection, Still Life with Apocalypse, will be published by Sheila-Na-Gig Editions in 2026.
Catman
In high school
he expressed frustration
that in ten years
you were just
another face in
the yearbook
no one would
remember.
Wanted to do
something memorable
everyone would remember
like include his
beloved cat in
class photos.
As there were
no regulations
forbidding it and
his manner was
so humble and amusing
the principal relented
even going so far
as to include a photo
of herself with her cat
for the yearbook.
After graduation Catman
as he was now known as
played acoustic guitar
and sang original songs
at open mics and club
venues around the area.
Those who remembered
him from school said
he was Catman who played
guitar until, without
warning or explanation,
he offed himself which
always seemed to be
part of his long-range plan.
At the ten-year class
reunion kids got together
and recalled old friends
and where are they nows
eventually leading to
Catman, where’s he at now.
One for the girls said she
Heard he killed himself and
The guy who asked after him
Asked, “Anyone remember
What his name was?”
No one did.
