The Cheated Cat

Death stood in his blackest cowl
staring down at Kitty
Who was flicking up his meanest tail
not showing signs of pity

"Come on now, Cat. You've had your time
there's mice to hunt 'til full
Down in the bowels of Hell itself
fields of catnip, balls of wool."

The Kitty wouldn't budge an inch
and Death leaned on his scythe
"It's no use giving me that look
'cos it really is your time

"I know those humans like a story;
said you had eight chances left.
I assumed you'd think that they were used;
In the bag, in the river's wild depths."

Kitty gave Death a look that said,
"I know that I've been cheated."
"They all say that," was his reply,
"It's hard being defeated."

With a tenderness that warmed the cat
Death stooped and stroked his fur
so Kitty followed him quite happily
and ambled down the stairs.