My Frisky Feline

I got her when she was a tiny lump of fluff
emerald eyes filled with wonder and curiosity
named her Jeter, after the Yankee great
after watching her stretch, crouch and dart
she timed her pouncing perfectly
catching her toy mouse without missing a beat
enjoyed drinking milk but preferred ice cream
and only the finest meals of Fancy Feast.

Nights spent curled up on my belly
even after my tiny lump of fluff
became my twelve pound fur ball
comforted by warmth and deep breathing
a better sedative than any sleeping pill
daytime naps in a paper box too small for her frame
preferring it to her hundred dollar playhouse.

Eleven years spent watching her grow and play
feeding and cradling her like a child
a member of my family who never let me down
expecting nothing but care and attention in return.

There are no eager purrs to greet me
when I come home now
her box is vacant but remains in her corner
Jeter has gone to the feline Hall of Fame in the sky
but she will always live on in my heart.