Shelter Tom

When I worked at the Humane Society, I saw all kinds of animals come in, from the utterly adorable, to the so-ugly-it's-cute. Some of my favorites were the older male cats. The tomcats, with their big jowls, torn ears, and battlescarred noses. With their thick muscles and heavy frames, their mean looks, and their utterly sweet dispositions. Some people were afraid to go even try to go near them, and a lot are perfectly loving and friendly cats. I championed quite a few, and happy to say, saw them get adopted. But sometimes it was a long wait, while kittens and more attractive animals went like hotcakes. So I penned this to try and help things along. I know it's rough in places - a few lines make me wince - and too much like something Hallmark would try to put out, but I'll be damned if it didn't work. Originally I put it up on an intimidating-looking cat I named Bismark, who loved to be held and scratched, but soon, the volunteers were asking for more copies for other tomcats like him. So I gave it to them.

Shelter Tom

I was a roamer, a vagabond lad.
But my heart is as young as any kitten ever had.
I may be a bit battered, a bit rough round the edge,
but I'm weary of haunting every fence, yard, and hedge.
My ears may be tattered, my fur a bit coarse.
But I was out on the street, I was looking for warmth.
I was seeking my food, and wanting a home,
wondering if the next dawn would be the end of my road.
I was living the life, I was fighting the fight.
Before I was here, I was yowling at night.
I've had many names, like alley or stray.
But what I really want, is one an owner would say.
Everyone wants kittens, they all pass me by.
Won't you take another look? At least give me a try?
I may have big jowls, and seem kind of rough,
but I was out on my own, I had to be tough.
That's all on the outside, take a peek at within.
You'll find I'm a good cat, despite my scarred skin.

2/20/02