A cat lay motionless - by the front door
Of an empty wilting house, with residents no more.
      The cat had had memories of the day,
      That within this house, children would play.
The clattering of life; sounds of feet;
The endearing fireplace, with its comforting heat.
      All is gone now; and will be no more!
      A motionless cat, by an empty front door.
The cat was given a chance - that cold wintry day,
To escape with the family, and a new place to stay.
     He had ridden the wagon - a distance down the road;
     Stubbornness consumed him; he leaped for the empty abode.
The cat chased emptiness - in his fit.
A full measure of emptiness - he did get !

                                               Barnum Taylor © 1996