I am the Cat
another self portrait
Daniel R. Risacher

I am the Cat
 
As a kitten, I play and dance;
Everyone is my friend and everything is my toy
I crave attention, and I hardly have to seek it
 
As the young tom learns to beware of the stranger
My friends are few; I seek the love of only those I know
And playful youth gives way to dignity
 
As I grew older, I hold more in reserve
For understanding is most easily found in oneself
And in solitude I stand; dignified; needing nothing
 
Now I am wiser still, and the satisfaction of self has waned
And I seek the lost friendships of the past
And the feline pride would never ask, but I sometimes feel like shouting:
	Those whom I would love: Return to Me!