Scardy Cat

2007

Scardy cat creeping down the alley

looking for bits and scraps thrown out by uncaring hands.

worn white paws and lusterless black fur

ever searching fearful eyes.

freaky cat

discarded by the family

she once thought was hers

no longer a frisky kitten playing with the children

now grown and far away.

Left out one day when the old lady was moved

to a nursing home

forgotten herself.

now she fends for herself thinking of those days

when she stretched out by the fireside

an occasional treat of catnip wound her up and she could

fly like the birds she always went after.

loving hands reaching out to stroke her fur.

now scardy cat shrinks back at the merest noise a pin drop.

stalking mice and whatever she can find

fear has become part of her existence

maybe in one of these homes a pair of kind hands will reach out and scoop her in again.

hope reigns in her heart

one day.