I can’t see a cat
without thinking of you
the way they curl into my lap
just like you used to do

I would scratch your docile head
until my arms were sore
I’d lift them up and away
just to hear you meow for more

you’d nudge at my torso
with wide asking eyes
I’d return to scratching
your head resting on my thighs

You’d roll over on you back
your head leading the motion
presenting your soft stomach
hoping that I got the notion

I’d scratch your stomach
as you'd smile and purr
faster and faster still
till my hand began to blur

but now these are memories
long gone and past
though the moment is gone
with each cat the idea is recast

but my kitten is gone now
she has gone and run away
never could she be replaced
by some traveling stray