Sheba

Sheba
You came to us on a midsummer’s night,
Black and elusive as a shadow in flight.
Quiet words and gestures brought you near,
Constant assurance you had nothing to fear.
As you touched my hand in a tentative way,
All your fears and trepidations seemed to wash away.
You rubbed against me time after time,
As if to say “this human is mine”.
On every floor, in every room
You picked your spots to sleep and groom.
Your favorite spot was in my lap,
I’d watch the news, you’d take a nap.
You’d climb on my chest as I lay in bed,
Pawing my hands so I’d scratch your head.
I miss those days when we cuddled and slept,
For the comfort you brought, I owe you a debt.
For seventeen years you made us your home,
The house and the yard were your places to roam.
You’d bring us your trophies, a bird or a mouse,
I wouldn’t let you bring them inside the house.
Old age and kidneys caused you to depart,
Along with you went a piece of my heart.
They say nine lives are what you own,
I hope you still have one to clone.
For when I leave this earthly shell,
Where I’ll end up I can never tell.
But having you with me would be sublime,
So we could cuddle and sleep for the rest of time.