A Stray Cat

by James Donovan
(Seabeck, Wa. USA)

I've often wondered to myself
what causes cats to stray;
are they fleeing from a cruel life
and trying to run away?

Or are they lost and far from home
and don't know what to do
for food and shelter from the storm
and so they turn to you.

One day I looked out in my yard
and what did I behold
a stray cat sitting rigidly
and shivering from the cold.

He looked like he was starving
his eyes were filled with fear
but when I tried to comfort him
he wouldn't let me near.

So I tempted him with cat food
and when I stroked his fur
he answered with a timid meow
and then began to purr.

I took him in and fed him,
then he prowled around my house,
was he just getting acquainted,
or was he looking for a mouse?

In time my stray adopted me
and claimed me for his own
he told my friends and family
'This is my new home'.

He'd found what he was looking for
a place of loving care
from which he'd have to stray no more
just be happy living there.

So if a stray comes to your door
and meows 'Can I come in? '
just welcome him with loving arms
and he will never stray again.