The calico cat clambers up her
Carpeted cat tree and
Plants herself on the highest rung.
From this perch,
She reaches out a soft paw
And gently – hesitantly,
Touches my shoulder.
I turn and scratch her head
And neck
And she, like my mother so many years ago,
Tilts her head downward.
And tucks it into my
Outstretched hand,
And conforms to my palm.
Purring briskly, she affirms
Her affection – not for my hand,
But for me – her companion in
This solitary time.
The dog, slightly miffed
By my attention to a pointless feline,
Trots over to his dish
And chomps on kibble,
Hoping that will relieve his vexation.
David Hanig 