THE OLD WOMAN AND HER OLD CAT

Beside me sit and purr my cat,
So cute a kitten when you sat
On my lap when l brought you here
To live with me so small and dear.

I was then greying when you were
A little kitten of soft fur.
I used to feed your little mouth
And watch your small teeth in their growth.

Your heart and mine both beat us through
To this old age with its sad view.
We both sit near this well lit stove
And think a lot before we move.

My cat, you are my dearest friend;
You shared my trip to this old end.
I wonder if we'll meet up there,
Where life will be quite free from care.

BY JOSEPH ZENIEH
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