STALKING THE LEAVES
Both cats watching the fast falling leaves go by
Crouched in an attack position not even a sigh
Coming from the two cats, quietly, bravely on guard,
How dear all those things come to the back yard.
A great gust of wind and a flurry of leaves come down,
The Himalayan I see is now wearing a ferocious frown,
Look, they are both creeping tummy’s close to the grass,
Now they pounce in unison, yet the leaves still pass.
Tails and back fluffed out to twice their normal size,
I wonder how long they will jump on each prize?
Worn out with trying they lie down to rest awhile,
But more leaves come and they just give a smile.
They must have remembered last years sweet fall
When they did not manage to catch one leave at all,
Both lying on their back watching them drift by,
They will be both buried if they much long just lie.
One picks up a bright red maple leaf just for me,
Places it at my feet, my thanks she just want to see.
The other not wanting to be out done carries four
And plants them on the carpet right by the door.
A treat for each and a rub of ears and a tickled head
Then they climb on their chair ready for early bed,
But grandchildren are coming so they’ll run away,
Maybe grumble a little after working hard all day.
(Millicent) Ann Margetson 9 October 2004