To sum up all, I'm old -- and that's <br />A fact the years decide; <br />It is a common thing with cats <br />And not a thing to hide. <br /> <br />But to feel what it is -- how kind <br />How true to love and law <br />For this you must be quite resigned <br />And not avoid its paw. <br /> <br />It does not come as reckless foe <br />A shrinking prey to take, <br />But with soft footstep that we know <br />By comfort in its wake. <br /> <br />Though it spoils something -- that is true, <br />Which we must learn to lack <br />And takes alike from me and you <br />What never does come back. <br /> <br />It caters for our failing strength <br />In many a dainty scrap, <br />And gently lays us at our length <br />In some secluded lap. <br /> <br />It may bless you -- (I think it should) <br />Beyond what I make out, <br />With things perhaps too great and good <br />For cats to talk about. <br /> <br />Since I find in it blessing free <br />From all it can destroy, <br />And so its progress is to me <br />A miracle of joy. <br /> <br />But my look out to occupy <br />And make the most of that. <br />You must be quite as old as I, <br />If not yourself a Cat!<br /><br />Anna Laetitia Waring<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/to-the-superior-animal/
