JASPER CAT      

The bird could not have heard

You stalking through the grass.

It did not spy your steely eye

Or sense impending death.

And who saw your lightning paw

Tear the wing

And bring

To ground

A	broken thing?

But I have seen you dance and leap and twist in air.

I have seen your ballet choreographed against a flying leaf.

I have seen the thief

In you - the mischief

In you - the beauty

Of you - dainty feet and arching back, the curving tail 

Which speaks of your desires and temperament.

Dare I lament your perversity?

Oh Jasper cat you must obey your ancient instincts 

Which come to life in open air -

I am not in your life out there.

But within the cosy home

Your mews become the pleas of human tones.

And you will have your way.

Your play is innocent of cruelty - a short rehearsal 

For my killer cat outside.

You bring great happiness and warmth.

Your golden eyes - amber gems of light 

Ignite the night.

Your winning ways fill my days

With sheer delight.

Oh Jasper cat - not just a cat -

But my creature comfort. 

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With me from January 1989 - December 2006

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GONE



It was you I saw.  Tell me it was you I saw.

Crouching in the hall, a sudden flash of paw.

I felt so sure.



I heard you.  I did hear you.  

I heard you mewing by the door.

I did.  I’m sure.



That was your tail disappearing out of sight

The merest shadow in the light.

I call your name but you do not come running

As you used to.  Is it me that you are shunning?



I know you are there.  You’re inside, outside, everywhere.

But when I sit in my usual chair and my hand goes out to stroke you

I cannot feel you.  You’re not there. 

So I was wrong -  for you are gone.





– December 2006

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