A Friend Indeed

“Meow” opens the front door

and Mistress, a retired lady
cautiously watches her home raised
pussycat leave his shelter
of protection.

Ripley quickly smells the bushes,
leaves run from the wind and he chases.

The lady gets her cup of tea and rushes
to the window
watching each movement.

A mouse peeks from a woodpile.

Her precious Ripley playing tag
with that vermin-ravaged creature?

Ripley walks across snow banks
and visits a patch of grass.

Mistress moves too quickly across the rug
floor, trips over the hassock, spills tea.

Ripley heads across McMaster
and Shirley Streets

Mistress almost faints, the traffic
poor precious and falls into the couch.

A hungry tummy brings Ripley to a
familiar door and Meows loudly.

Mistress hears and hurries to the door
trips over her feet and dentures drop
into Ripley’s throne room.

Further Meows resonate in her ears.

Mistress painfully crawls to the door
one arm reaching up and opens it

as Ripley deftly jumps over Mistress
he trots hurriedly to his throne.

© Richard L. Provencher