Proud Abyssinian lies still on my lap
Stroking his soft grey fur time starts to slow
To the beat of a Bach adagio                                            
Tamed and relaxed we both drift to a nap.

Beloved, well fed pet, nurtured in his home
Yet wild creature, whose needs must satisfy
To watch prey, to leap, pounce and terrify
Free in garden realm to wander and roam

How can I kindly look upon this beast
that snapped and tore life from a tiny bird ?
The mother shrieking horror at her loss
Father trying to scare Cat from his feast
Their doleful lament the saddest I’ve heard
Careless cat gives the corpse another toss.