My Timid Cat

by James Donovan
(Seabeck, Wa. USA)

My cat is just a scared old cat
so timid and so shy
he'd rather stay inside the house
and let the world go by.

He doesn't venture out of doors
but prefers to be at home
he likes to keep me company
and has no urge to roam.

He doesn't want to fight with dogs
for they can cause him harm
he's afraid of all the animals
that live here on our farm.

He pretends to be a hunter
which he knows he'll never be
he chases mice ‪ for exercise
but then he sets them free.

When he was a younger cat
he never showed much fear
he'd challenge all the other cats
and dare them to come near.

But now he's gotten old and tired
his braver years have passed
he only wants to stay with me
and have some peace at last.

He's not the cat he used to be
he hopes I'll understand
So he will love me tenderly
and even lick my hand.

His courage shows such trust in me
That I can only reply
"Yes, you'll be my much loved cat
as all the years go by."