Corky The Magnificat

The trouser-fur of Corky's belly and legs Is as white as Mark Twain's linen suit Or maybe like a pitcher of cream His eyes are emerald like an Afghani girl His back like a butternut squash His muzzle like the foam on porter beer What is this streak brushing my ankle As he runs toward the door eagerly? He has the timing of a strobe light Or he couldn't brush past a walking leg 'Woiaauu' is his plea to go out Kept in at night, he tries tomfoolery Jumps in the dryer with a load of clothes Rubs his nose against the other cat's face Until she walks away in a huff Makes a commotion in his litter box And finally comes to settle in my lap Corky you look me in the eye When I walk past your stair perch You announce your intentions With a whirring, mewing soundtrack You visit my lap at least once an evening When petted your eyes close halfway You rub the side of my computer screen Asking me to notice you Single hairs blend together in your fur My fingers feel nothing but softness Cork-face, The creation smiled when you took shape You are a piece of living artistry Your animal drives are harmonious Your behavior is balanced You never beg for attention You are considerate in your way Who could refuse your companionship? Corky, you make me want a place Where I could settle and keep a cat. You make me want to scan the want-ads Where I could find another cat like you But there could never be a cat like you With your dignified needs you remind me Nature is in the business of beauty By our friendship across species Every day I unwrap the message you bring