The Aristocat

 
As soon as he walked in the joint

I could see he was a big player

He knew just where to be

and took possession of the best chair in the house.

At first I was wary,

he was so demanding!

Only the very best food

and he knew,

although I found

he could not read.

At first I felt like a servant,

but talking to him,

though he never replied with more

than a yip a yow a growl or a purr

a posture or curl of tail,

I understood

He was a true aristocrat

Merely expecting what his position commanded

So now we live in mostly peace

unless dinner is late

or an unwelcome visitor appears

Then he presents himself

directly in front of the guest

raises a hind leg,

goes cross-eyed

and washes his nether parts.

The guest always gets the the message

and leaves.

Life is rich and weird

with a true aristocat.