Pawprints and Purrs, Inc.
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Copyright © 1997 - 2010
Cat Poems
Part V
"'Please would you tell me,' said Alice...'why your cat grins like that?'
'It's a Cheshire cat,' said the Duchess, 'and that is why.'" ~ Lewis Carroll, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland ~
Moon
I have a white cat whose name is Moon;
He eats catfish from a wooden spoon,
And sleeps till five each afternoon.
Moon goes out when the moon is bright
And sycamore trees are spotted white
To sit and stare in the dead of night.
Beyond still water cries a loon,
Through mulberry leaves peers a wild baboon
And in Moon's eyes I see the moon.
~ William Jay Smith ~
Soft, sleek, short haired, or fluffy.
Eyes filled with wisdom and mischief.
From running with grace and stealth,
To walking with a regal, and proud gate.
Tail swishing back and forth as thoughts unknown float thru a quick wit.
A surprise pounce and purring growl and then your lap is taken over.
Playful yet serious is this creature we call a Cat!
~ Cassa A. Dellinger ~
The Rum Tum Tugger
The Rum Tum Tugger is a Curious Cat:
If you offer him pheasant he would rather have grouse.
If you put him in a house he would much prefer a flat,
If you put him in a flat then he'd rather have a house.
If you set him on a mouse then he only wants a rat,
If you set him on a rat then he'd rather chase a mouse.
Yes the Rum Tum Tugger is a Curious Cat--
And there isn't any call for me to shout it:
For he will do
As he do do
And there's no doing anything about it!
The Rum Tum Tugger is a terrible bore:
When you let him in, then he wants to be out;
He's always on the wrong side of every door,
And as soon as he's at home, then he'd like to get about.
He likes to lie in the bureau drawer,
But he makes such a fuss if he can't get out.
Yes the Rum Tum Tugger is a Curious Cat--
And there isn't any use for you to doubt it:
For he will do
As he do do
And there's no doing anything about it!
The Rum Tum Tugger is a curious beast:
His disobliging ways are a matter of habit.
If you offer him fish then he always wants a feast;
When there isn't any fish then he won't eat rabbit.
If you offer him cream then he sniffs and sneers,
For he only likes what he finds for himself;
So you'll catch him in it right up to the ears,
If you put it away on the larder shelf.
The Rum Tum Tugger is artful and knowing,
The Rum Tum Tugger doesn't care for a cuddle;
But he'll leap on your lap in the middle of your sewing,
For there's nothing he enjoys like a horrible muddle.
Yes the Rum Tum Tugger is a Curious Cat--
And there isn't any need for me to spout it:
For he will do
As he do do
And there's no doing anything about it!
~ T.S. Elliot ~
A Serious Question
A kitten went a-walking
One moring in July
And idly fell a-talking
With a great big butterfly.
The kitten's tone was airy,
The butterfly would scoff;
When there came along a fairy
Who whisked his wings right off.
And then, - for it is written
Fairies can do such things,
Upon the startled kitten
She stuck the yellow wings.
The kitten felt a quiver,
She rose into the air,
Then flew down the river
To view her image there.
With fear her heart was smitten,
And she began to cry:
"Am I a butter-kitten?
Or just a kitten-fly?"
~ Carolyn Wells ~
Angel of the Night
I know my cat's an angel
For she watches over me.
Slyly, when her eyes seem shut;
At night, when I can't see.
I know my cat's an angel
For her ears protect my sleep.
A creak, a squeak, a footfall;
At any noise she'll leap.
I know my cat's an angel
For she curls up at my side;
A warning to intruders
That it's best to run and hide.
I know my cat's an angel
For although she hasn't wings
I'm safe and warm beside her,
Wrapped in all the love she brings.
~ Nancy Joseph ~
Beware! (A Limerick)
I once knew a cat who would play,
In a most lackadaisical way.
'Til one day a mouse
Made a home in Cat's house
Now a sign says, "Rent by the Day."
Master teased, "You're lazy and fat!
I'm sure you'll get caught by a rat!"
Kitty's smile was grim,
As she stared up at him,
Eyes asking, "Are you sure of that?"
"I may look like a fat, tame cat,
Who's afraid of a big old rat,
But put one in my home
Who thinks here he'll roam,
And he'll DIE in two seconds flat!"
~ Doris M. Kneppel ~
Dear Friend
A tiny creature, eyes still shut
Small body all a-tremble
I looked down and I knew
I had a friend.
Soon your blue eyes, so laser sharp,
Peered out of your sweet face.
I understood each plaintive cry,
And knew in my deepest heart
We were friends.
You purred and nestled in my arms.
Your devotion beamed up at me
As I whispered in your ear,
My dreams, my hopes, my fears.
Friends forever would we be.
But fate gave us just a few short years.
Your time too short did end.
I held you close, my heart too full,
As I begged you not to leave.
As death drew the final curtain
I cried, "Farewell, my sweet, dear friend!"
You are in my heart forever.
~ Doris M. Kneppel ~
