The Incorrigible Cat

 Hey, who is it that’s running this house?
I mean, what am I, a man or a mouse?
That alpha Cat gives me good cause to grouse,
But he’s captured the heart of my loving spouse.

I really don’t mind when he walks on my face,
Or chews up the dolls in my wife’s glass case.
She actually laughed when he shredded her lace,
And I laughed, too, ‘cause he shreds with such grace.

So, it’s okay to shred . . . but not to displace!
You see, that Cat’s commandeering my favourite space.
For the Man of the house, that’s a downright disgrace,
So now I’ll stand up and I’ll show him his place!

But . . . I won’t play his game, called cat-and-rat,
‘Cause I know it’s no use going tit-for-tat.
It’s no mystery who’d lose – he’s got it down pat.
So I won’t play the Rat for any sharp-clawed Cat!

Hmmm . . . there he sits, aloof and alert,
Seemingly placid, but far from inert!
His steely gaze says, “With danger you flirt.”
And I need no reminding I could get hurt.

Okay, it’s my chair that’s the prize we contest,
And this battle of wills shall prove who’s the best.
But, just as I work myself up to this test,
I’m asked to consider what’s best for the nest.

“It’s his nature,” I hear my wife explain,
“So,” she reasons, “don’t complain.
“His pleasure shouldn’t cause you pain.
“He’s not your rival, so don’t be so vain!”

Oh, well . . . Cat, Bat, Rat or Gnat,
In the long run, who cares where they sat?
Besides, I’m out of character playing the brat.
So I’ll wisely defer to The Incorrigible Cat.

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