Page 29 - Poetry-Animals

Unless she’s fast asleep her big bright eyes
Are always begging for a little fun.

I’ve heard folks say
That puss can scratch, and even swear and spit;
That she will hunt a mouse’s life away,
That tender birdlings should beware my kit;
But, owning frankly there may be some cause
For these grave charges, I am true to her;
‘Tis pussy’s nature, and those cruel claws
Are ever sheathed for me in velvet fur.

Also I fear
When tea-time comes and milk, she’s not above
Increasing her caresses, till we hear
A whisper now and then of “cupboard love.”
Yet need not puss distress herself at that,
For we are not so blameless that we can
Consistently condemn my little cat
For foibles which are sometimes shown by man.

So puss and I
Will keep our fond alliance, undismayed
By dark suggestions, though they half imply
Such confidence may be one day betrayed.
Ah! kitty mine, if we were only slow
To hear against another word of blame,
How often would affection firmer grow,
And friendship prove more worthy of the name.

— Sydney Grey (Girl’s Own Paper, 1885)

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