Masking

You want me to be a dog, so I'll try.

I look quite like one, anyway -

I have four paws, a furry coat,

a set of whiskers.

I have a tail that wags - though

for different reasons.  Yours wags

when you're happy, mine when I'm

anxious.  I'll try to be happy when

I'm anxious, but it might not work.

I may suddenly turn, show my claws,

bite.  And that'll perturb you.

It sends mixed signals.

So now you know what it's like

to get mixed signals.

I try to be a dog, because that's

what you are.

But I'm a cat.

Not a bad excuse

for a dog.

Accept me for being a cat -

that's all I ask.

Until you do, don't expect me

to be a very good dog.

You go chase a ball.

I really can't be bothered.

Bits of string interest me more.

And sleeping.

And being alone.

Away from you.

Because your bark and your bite

are equal in the damage they do.