But My Cat Won’t Be There

This poem is based on a lady I know very well, she is a devoted cat lover and animal activist. She is nearly ninety and has told me so many times how she doesn’t want to give up her cat. Sometimes people need to look very carefully at what they are saying, once a cat lover always a cat lover. What do you think?

But My Cat Won’t Be There

She lives on her own with Molly,
her cat who she truly adores.
A cat of such a notable vintage,
all black with four pristine, white paws.

People have tried to advise her
to move to a home for the frail.
She listens with patience and calmness
but the love of her cat will prevail.

They say she would be so happy
as she would never be home on her own.
Her answer is always so simple,
“With Molly I’m never alone”.

There are those who try to persuade her
a move would be for the best.
She responds with quiet devotion
that with Molly her life is so blessed.

Some suggest she’s plainly quite stubborn,
others now think she’s quite mad.
To refuse a home for the aged
you’d think she’d be rather glad.

They tell her there’s plenty to do there,
events, and nice trips every week.
With meals and a warm room for comfort
and a bistro that looks rather chic.

“Then Molly could go to a shelter
or someone could give her a home.
You would have lots of lovely, new friendships
no fear of being alone”.

Without hesitation, she tells them
that she and her cat will not part.
Molly’s her friend and companion
and to leave her would just break her heart.

She tells them she’s staying with Molly
in her house that maybe threadbare.
As no palace, or beautiful mansion,
could be home if her cat wasn’t there!

Teresa Harrison-Best