Six Little Marks on the Ground, Six Lanterns Hanging on Six Ropes

Tom and Caryn start off,
six little marks on the ground,
then six lanterns hanging on six ropes.

With no conversation, Tom and Caryn return to camp.
Each has a sack.
Each sack has seven cats, in addition
to seven kits.
That is, for each cat.

Privately, Jenn tells Tom that she is nervous.
More nervous than a long-tailed cat
In a room full of rocking chairs.
Rube explains, reasonably, that everything
Happens for a reason.

-by Emily from Virginia (search phrase “everything happens for a reason”)