Villanelle for a Cat that Sat

The cat that sat upon the mat
Now stands and gives a purr,
Then goes outside to catch a rat.

The little boy pulls off his hat
And chases with his cur
The cat that sat upon the mat,

Who hides away inside the hat
And preens upon a burr,
Then goes outside to catch a rat.

The girl who knows just where it’s at
Runs fingers through its fur –
The cat that sat upon the mat.

She gives its head a gentle pat,
The cat looks back at her
Then goes outside to catch a rat.

When all’s at peace within the flat
Girl leaves without demur
The cat that sat upon the mat,
Then goes outside to catch a rat.

©2008 Susan M Phillips. All rights reserved.