You chose the life of a free cat.
Unbounded by the shackles of civilisation
or the constraints of convention.
You were entirely who you were,
… and which of us can truly say that?
You went by a dozen names
and had earned every one
yet you were happy to discard
both slavery and possessions.
… which of us is willing to do that?
You gave your friendship freely
and asked for nothing in return
except a chunk of cheese, or a lap
or a quiet place to dream.
You never once clawed or bit
except for fun, or malice or ennui,
or if you had a grudge, or fancied starting one
other than that your fangs were unblemished
… and who can say the same?
The years you were with us
you befriended the block
turning disparate strangers into a community
and you got food off every one
… given gladly and with love.
You chose the life of a free cat.
Resisted every collar and chain.
You lived as you and had a dozen names
While sitting mournfully at my window
… and which of us is lucky enough to have that?
RIP 21/01/17