Oh what unhappy twist of fate

Has brought you homeless to my gate,

The gate where once another stood

To beg for shelter, warmth and food?

For from that day I ceased to be

The master of my destiny,

While she with fur and velvet paw

Became within my house the law.

She scratched the furniture and shed

And claimed the middle of my bed.

She ruled with arrogance and pride

And broke my heart the day she died.

So if you really think, dear cat

I’d willingly relive all that

Because you come forlorn and thin

Well don’t just stand there—come on in!

Author unknown.

(From Marianne Soucey)