In Memory of Bilbo, for whom this poem was originally written:

(Not forgetting Jack, another beautiful Tabby,

who was a brave and faithful friend!)

Tabby

Tiger Tabby in the grass

Waiting for a fly to pass,

In the sunniest spots you lie.

All useless movements pass you by.

A sudden move, you leap and snatch

Out of the air with single catch

A silk winged moth in lacy fight

Fallen to ground in tangled plight.

The earth is still, the hours pass.

Long cold eyes as green as glass

Close lazily as chin meets paw

And Tabby dreams of catly lore.

But shadows fall: on fur a chill,

And cat no longer can lie still.

He yawns with stretch from tail to claw.

The sun is warm today no more.

Tiger Tabby near the hearth,

Sleeping in the aftermath

Of lovely day and fish for tea.

(A cat is all a cat can be.)

(Written for my daughter in another time and place.....)