my cat*

Cat, you remind me so much of my love
I can never fathom what or how you think
Do you always expect me to read your mind?
To love you and yet never expect any in return?
You wander in and out of my life as you please
And while I admire that independent streak
You’re never here in my times of need
You purr when I stroke you right but
Just one rub in the wrong direction
You take a swipe or bite at my loving hand
You are only capable of taking
Ignorant about how to please
Aloof to my vain attempts, my entreaties
Yet you hold, no! demand my undivided attention
When you feel like it, sidle up beside me
Inveigling as you indulge yourself
And mark me as your territory
Still, I’m content at lavishing love
Lovingly lavished upon you, my dear, my pet








* written in the distant past