Tribute To An Old Cat
By Keadie
You are dusty and greasy like an old mink stole
brown and stale, and dry at the seams:
Your leather cracked, your coat moth eaten
Hiding in the racks of some thrift store, you gently nudge me,
And I try you on, though weather beaten.
Stiff old paws cling to me as I drape you across my shoulder.
Fearful of falling, you nuzzle like a scarf.
Velvet ears crumple under my chin
As you hum in gravelly baritone.
Your quick blue eyes give you away. I know
That your soul is artfully escaping
That rounded Thanksgiving turkey body
Like a figure skater doing triple jumps
Every time you watch the birds.
Warm and rounded on the sill,
Even though I curl my arms around you,
I feel your heart leap wild and free
Graceful, sleek, and strong.
As I remember your rocking horse gait,
Young and buff, the woods your Paradise;
I know that some day you will again escape the door
And roll in diamond mica-laden driveway sand,
Sparkle like the snow, rub like willow-brush against my legs
Your purr like the soft wind through the trees.
As your life turns to Winter, my independent gentleman,
I tip my hat to you in respect and admiration
For always staying true to who you are.
For more features, such as favoriting, recommending, and reviewing, please go to the full version of this story.