Georgie

By John I. Blair

So long ago --
I cannot think how many years --
Georgie came into our house,
One of a set of kittens
From a family of fostered cats.

At the start
She was a loner
Fond of hiding by herself
While her sister and her cousin
Played freely on the floor.

A tree cat by her nature
She found a favorite spot
On the highest shelf
Of the cat tower we had bought –
Feeling safe and in control of fears.

Now she’s the only one that’s left,
The others gone, one at a time.
She no longer is alarmed
Or jealous of her privacy –
“Alone’s” the only choice remaining.

As she climbs onto my bed
And asks for petting,
For caressing, simple touching
On her back, her neck, her chin, her head,
I believe she thinks I am her mother.

I believe I am her father, thankful for the task.

©2024, 9/27/2024 John I. Blair