If I had a cat,

If I had a cat,

They said,

It would be a comfort.

I know what they meant

But the challenge

Is in the caring.

It would either be

Ambivalent

Or hate my guts

Give me a wide birth

Except at food time

Or at night

In bed when it slept on my head

Trying to steal my warmth

Hoping I would wake up dead

When it would scratch out my eyes.

But they are so lovely

Soft and cuddly

Curling in and out of legs

Chasing reflections of light

Across the wall

Bouncing up

Before they touch down

Choose to keep claws in

Or out

Bring little gifts home

Purr for their supper

Go next door for extra.

Scratch the life out of the sofa

Give more love

Than I bargained for

Die before me

Take the devil to get over

The pain

And for what

A warm spot

On the pillow

Cathairs on the covers

And little kittens

Wrapped in a duvet

In the cupboard under the stairs

With a look that says

‘Hey look at us

We are the cat’s whiskers.’