My photo
Each dog leaves a scar, each cat is
A healed wound, left by his or her
Absolute individuality, formed in
The furnace of a family or couple,
Or even a single bipedal Mother-cat.
The scar left by a dog is broader
But shallower: dogs are closer, they
Understand us through their noses,
They understand our words too.
With some exceptions, they have no idea
What ‘aloof’ might be.
Whatever they feel, you know it immediately.
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Cats are minor mysteries and harder
To read – though my current guest-cat
Has taught me his very clear and explicit
Miaow for when he’s wet and requires
Towelling dry.
No cat or dog should be forgotten
Any more than a human.
I remember all of mine,
Even strange cats who permitted me
To stroke them when I was a
Lonely teenager.
And I truly believe I will meet
All of them in the
Land Beside the River:
A forest for dogs;
A desert for cats;
A city for humans,
As we all wait to cross the River
And greet God.
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