My cat Tara
Was sharp swift and full of fun;
A gift from high
In the garden a smoking gun
Ever alert to predators.
Velvet paws in the house
The loveliest cat ever
To grace the family home.

Tara didn't like sudden bangs,
Guy Fawkes shenanigans
She would ban.
She would come to my side
Tail up: purr purr
Trying to tell me her cat news,
A true and faithful friend.

The years rolled on
Her eyes grew dim.
No more quick movements to her stride.
In my heart I knew one day
The vet would say,
There's nothing more I can do for Tara!

She staggered to me one evening
Bade me a cat's goodbye,
Crept to a geranium pot
In a quiet spot on the floor,
Trying to hide her agony
And keep her dignity.
There she died like the warrior she was.
Tara is now at peace
Her memory will never grow old.