Ode To A Tortoiseshell

By Lynn Maria Thompson

My beautiful spotted girl

So refined, in your dignity.

Paws crossed, ever ladylike,

Yet the lynx tips on those ears

Betray your true nature.

Speckled, as with a paintbrush,

You share with us your softness,

Sly and wise, and ever watchful.

“Is she expecting company?”

We wonder as she sits, pensively waiting.

With squeals of delight

And purr so loud, she greets me.

To be “tailed” is an honor.

But the purr turns gutteral

As she spies The Other through the window.

Growls and hisses, then a hasty retreat

To her place of safety, dark and cool.

Beautiful spotted girl,

Won’t you come back out