Sunshine, Our Cat

POEMS

Provided by Linda DeStefano
by Richard Weiskopf
Translated by Rob English

I sit in my armchair, feet up
to take a nap. Close my eyes.
Soon I feel his paws and weight 
resting in my lap.
He’ll nap with me, keeping me company.
Sometimes he scratches,
but doesn’t hurt on purpose.

His life is uncomplicated:
eating, sleeping, excreting
in his litter, which I clean out daily.

Other activities:
chasing after Allegra, his sister,
scratching the fine Persian rug
in our living room,
climbing almost to the ceiling;
perching on our refrigerator, sweeping,
with outstretched paw, the hat
from my head.

Sunshine has no concern
to getting work done, paying bills,
catching up on email, reading, staying
up to date with the news,
keeping appointments.

Is he bored?  I don’t think so.
He communicates well without
speaking; lets me know when its
time for him to eat.

It’s lots of work keeping 
and caring for a cat
Is it worth it?
You bet!

This poem was provided by Linda DeStefano, People for Animal Rights’ president, which works to protect the Earth, which sustains us all. You can reach PAR and request People for Animal Rights newsletter at People for Animal Rights, P.O. Box 15358, Syracuse 13215-0358. Sending an email to people4animalrightscny@gmail.com or calling us at (315)488-PURR (7877) between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m.