Two cats

Two cats side by side

Friends not brothers

The big one washes the old one

A caring lick of recognition

Each trying to be close

To the heater.

Oil filled,

It takes the chill away

They stay close in winter.

My third? In a basket upstairs

Snug and happy

The third cat,

Aloof, independent

Smug.

Stop bringing me presents!

I don’t want a mouse

Or a frog

Bought in alive

To scurry or croak.

Caught with a fishing net

For goldfish

And put out again.

I don’t want that bee!

Keep it for yourself

Or a wasp

You surreptitiously

Sneak in

For my pleasure

Take that shrew away

At least hedgehogs are spiky

So they won’t be dropped

At my feet

With a smug purr!

There you go!

Here’s my rent!