Nine Lives

I appreciate the cat;
the way he lies in the sun
king that cannot talk.
He curls up like a kitten,
though his meow is aged,
and he plays with me
gnaws on my arm.
Both of us hate the dog;
we stalk him together.

I appreciate the cat;
his cleanliness is unmatched,
and he claims to be
far less needy than the dog.
If hungry, he waits for me,
giving my leg kisses with
a little too much teeth.
Even the cat likes company
when he eats his food.

I appreciate the cat,
who guards my room
when I am gone.
He listens and understands.
He watches what I do.
I appreciate the cat
with his better eyes,
who can see
even in the dark.