Love Poem: Cat's Asleep

Cat's Asleep

Out on the veranda,
His head upon his paws,
With the coloring of a panda,
Lazy smile upon his jaws.

Dreams fleeting, like a mouse!
Birds are safe for a while.
Mother said,  "Cat, get out of the house!
You're too much, your cunning and guile."

But, not to worry, my cat's asleep;
Dreaming of tomorrow's fun:
Exploring where the shadows peep;
Chasing butterflies at a run!

He lies there, still as death-
The picture of perfect peace.
Mother said,  "Keep up with him, Beth,
Or mischief will never cease."

The rug frayed, the curtain in shreds;
He is still my best friend.
Boughs wave gently over his head;
The wrong he's done, he did not intend.

My cat creeps so silently in dream,
So curious and so playful,
Tasting such luscious bowls of cream,
Lean, so sleek, joyous, so fanciful!