The Two Sides of a Cat

The Two Sides of a Cat
(Cuddly Kitty and Wild Creature)

Human oh human,
Oh mother of mine,
You sleep and you dream
While outside the sun shines.
I’m waiting and longing,
Listening to you snore.
Please human wake up
And open the door.

I’m dreaming of beaches,
Deep in my doze, but
That wasn’t the ocean.
Oh! It’s a cold nose.
“Hi Baby! Good morning.
Hang on while I wake,
And stretch and go toilet,
Then coffee to make.”

I’m washing my paws
And I’m waiting for you.
I sit at the window
While you’re on the loo.
I’m being as patient
As poor me can stand.
I need to get outside
To check out my land.

“Hi Baby. Want tickles?
You like your new toy?
You’re very affectionate,
Such a good boy!
Give me a cuddle.
Oh that’s really sweet!
I’ll scratch all your itches
And rub your wee feet.”

This back scratch is gorgeous.
Please scratch my head too.
I’ve got used to being
Dependent on you.
Tickles, yes tickles,
Then please get that key,
And unlock the door so that
I can be free.

        ***

At last I am out
In the bright, blazing sun.
But can I relax? No!
My work has begun.
Where is that tom cat,
The one from next door?
Is he on my territory?
Need to be sure.

A sniff here and there then
I find a new smell,
That cute little female
They call Tortie-Shell.
The past in my nose and
The now in my ear,
I creep through the bushes,
Tail bringing up rear.

I watch for slight movements;
I listen for snaps
Of small twigs and grasses,
A wild vole perhaps.
A flap of bird wing
And I’m hyper-aware,
My nose pointing forward
My ears in the air.

No more the cute kitty
Asleep in the houses.
Now I go hunting
For wild, juicy mouses.
I am the panther,
Blacker than matte.
This is my jungle
And I am Wild Cat.

        ***

Two lives in one.
I live tame and live wild,
A law to myself and
A chum to the child.
These sub-personalities,
Pair of odd shoes.
Which is my favourite?
There’s no way to choose.