Your youngest days were on the streets -
Hard scrap and fighting – for food; for life.
The harsh toll of that was clear when you arrived; you were
Tired, worn, and ready for a welcome hearth and love.
Even loved, it was as equal – you knew your ground
And you stood it –
For you, love and affection were not freely given, but always earned.
Wary and tenacious, with those steely blue fighter’s eyes
You had a captivating Adonis beauty – snaring unwary strangers
Who wishfully believed you were wholly domestic.
So you lived, and captivated us.
Caught by your fierce beauty and steadfast loyalty
Your quick feline wit, and plaintive questions
And even retributions -
(When we shirked what was due you)
We were enriched, and honored.
You were grace, and beauty, and power
And honor and courage too.
And so when your spirit rises up to join the pantheon
Of ancient feline gods;
I will look to the stars
And find you.
(In memoriam, for our cat, Tiberius ~ 1990 – April 9th, 2005 jcs)
