ODE TO CAT

for Jasper

Oh, you

magnificent creature,

fierce predator,

fiercer napper.

you who have seen

far less seasons than me

but are still older,

I salute you.

The Egyptions were right all along;

you truly are a wonder

in every way you differ from

your massive ancestors:

how you are delicate

yet fearsome.

If there is a heaven,

it’s made just for cats

since you are our rightful rulers.

Instead of golden streets,

there are rows and rows of cardboard boxes

and soft blankets

and warm milk

and seas full of tuna.

And there,

you,

beautiful, wise, and spiritual cat,

are stretched out

and napping.

You, who can bathe

without a bath,

who can ask a question

without making a sound,

Where you are,

everyone is king

in his own right.

If I could tell you one thing,

I’d tell you thanks

for being here

even when you weren’t

thank you for staying

and never running away,

thank you for listening

and for talking,

thank you for not complaining

when I pulled you closer.

May there be many streams

in your cat-heaven,

may there be blankets

and many friends for you to meet.

Years never meant much to you,

but may there be infinitely more to come,

and sunlight.

warm patches of it.

just for you.