Skybear, age 13
Eartha, 9
watch in amused bewilderment
Morty, 5 months old
tear through the house
with male (as yet unneutered) feline energy
climbing everything in sight
with the dexterity of a mountain lion
but on a much smaller scale

I and his two sisters wonder
how long it will take him to settle down
realize this is as good as it gets
for a house cat
maybe eventually a little backyard
but not beyond to where he watches eagerly
from my bedroom window
dreams of the day when he can go there too

I can tell by their faces, body language
they’re reasonably happy here
but can also tell the same way
this is not really home
for cats aren’t meant to be cooped up in a house
no matter how large
they should be outdoors, wild and free

I came to this conclusion
not long before Morty arrived
an unexpected gift from a well-meaning friend
baby faced orange tabby with stripes
so innocent, vulnerable...and cute
how could I turn him away?

Hadn’t planned on raising another cat
at least not at my age, 59
providing he stays healthy
at least a 10 year commitment
but as I don’t believe in coincidences
in time sure I’ll see the providence
of his coming into my life
though for the first time a pet cat
might outlive me



Poem and photo © 2016 by author

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10/31/2016

Posted on 11/01/2016
Copyright © 2024 Chris Sorrenti