by Barry N Watson
(In loving memory of KittyCat Watson, April 2, 1983 - May 27, 1999)
In Tampas pet shop I was smitten when first I held you as a kitten.
Oh, your charm -your winning grace -those regal marks upon your face.
So small and soft with eyes so bright. Joyful, happy, wondrous sight.
And you came home to live with me - a sweet, long union it would be.
Your name was long and papers fat but I just called you KittyCat.
We traveled in a home on wheels. You purred for me. I made you meals.
We slept together through the night and woke together with the light.
Upon the dash-board ledge youd lie and watch the scenery passing by.
You glared at dogs and gaped at geese, when evenings, trailer space wed lease.
Clearwater, Florida, now far behind, we searched about, new home to find.
Through misty swamps and mountain pass. Through desert sands and fields of grass.
We traveled all across nine states and came to be the closest mates.
Then after our adventurous ride at last we reached the Western side.
In Hollywood then, we made our home and settled down no more to roam.
But were you bored? - you didnt say, just watched the birds outside all day.
And now full grown as regal queen I saw your longing - it was keen.
I sent you out so you could breed - you did! - a joyous, happy deed.
And so you soon gave birth to kits with colored ears and tails and mitts.
They soon grew up to look like you with ears and tail and toes gray-blue.
We could not give them all away so asked the KitKit one to stay.
A stray queen too, walked right inside and six new kittens tried to hide.
So they grew up and we kept two as friends for KitKit and for you.
The white one had a speck of gray so Smudge we call her to this day.
But Squeely was all gray and black -for mischief she would never lack.
So yall were four, and me made five and times Id take you for a ride.
But mostly youd all play around and sleep a lot on couch or ground.
Youd run at me and make me chase then hide in some conspicuous place.
So Id pretend I didnt see and youd run out and pounce on me.
At times when I was study bent, youd stand and look with strong intent.
Id feel your gaze and look up fast a gaze so strong -and it would last.
You were the boss of all the crew and mostly you would boss me too.
You would not pee in litter tray "Thats for cats", your eyes would say.
You felt you were a person too and so you learned to use my lu.
Your kidneys, over years grew dim you drank more water, time to win.
As you grew old you rested more and you stayed closer to the floor.
But youd still purr and preen and hug and always knew your favorite rug.
When you got sick I helped you win and gave you fluid just under skin.
You were so brave and tried so much Ive never loved another such.
A tumor grew and it grew fast - you tried to make that body last.
When move you could not, any more I slept beside you on the floor.
The nights were long the sleep was sparse and then it came your time to pass.
You purred then made two tiny cries and looked real deep into my eyes.
I lay beside and held you head - and looked and saw your body dead.
Though you lived on and floated free - I still wept as I miss thee!
By Barry N Watson, May 29, 1999 Copyright 1999, All Rights Reserved.