CAT was an indoor feline last year
With mad desires for the outdoors besetting,
But rain and cold winter kept him near home.
Then in spring he explored--a great overgrown kitten.

He educated himself in the small-town world:
Caution with cars and anything new,
And learned for himself when he was outmatched,
And that others cats have their humans too.

So here we are on a nice summer day,
I with my tea and CAT guarding the stair,
And nothing eventful disturbing our space-
A comfortable relaxed CAT-woman pair.

CAT suddenly pricks both ears forward!
Nothing I see there merits a mention.
But CAT slowly rises, slowly pads down the steps.
And across the yard stones, ALL predator in intention.

At the edge of the garden by the tall grass, a pause.
He cranes his neck over long plant stalks.
Caught up in this drama I watch the green leaves
And CAT as he crouches to spring at the spot.

He leaps, arching over, orange against green.
Now submerged deep in grass, only back and tail show.
A pause. And some motions. The grass blades twitch.
Then head up, he turns, business finished, to go.

A little hop and back on the stones,
He pads across, discontent to the core,
And resumes his position on the edge of the porch.
I smile in my teacup-he's done this before.