For the second time I told her I didn’t want another cat

But I’d take on the task of feeding the little black stray

I kept my word and put out food and water every day

And told myself, that’s that

But the cat wanted much more than food on a plate

She wanted a friend with whom she could play

So I gave her a name and pet her each day

And we fell into a so-so state

It didn’t take long before she wanted more

And would stalk me whenever I want out of the house

It was as if I’d become her toy mouse

She’d come when I called and wait at my door

For me to come home or out on the lawn

Her food going uneaten until she got her petting

Had me seriously regretting

But in my heart I was torn

For reasons of my own I couldn’t give her the home

She seemed to want and need so badly

And when I went into the house she’d look at me sadly

And off through the neighborhood she’d roam

Slowly but surely we became friends

And settled into a pattern that fit her needs and mine

Everything went along fine

But all things are subject to ends

I had to move I needed more room

She’d been born on the block where we first met

And my wild friend wasn’t likely to come without a fight

So I decided to try to capture her at night

And when I had everything set

I grabbed her so gently she didn’t scratch or bite

With anger or fear of me or the cage on the ground

When I put her in and closed the door she turned around

Her sad eyes questioning her plight

That was two months ago before Itsy-Bitsy died

Since then Bootsy, the little stray

Has stayed by my side night and day

As my grief over Itsy-Bitsy I couldn’t hide

In tiny ways that others might never believe

She showed me her love and caring

Becoming more daring

Her magic spell she did weave

By having to meet her needs

I slowly recovered from the pain

And the emotional drain

Upon which grief feeds

So I have a question for you

And I think your answer will be the same as mine

There’s a very fine live

Between who really rescued who.