The Paws That Refreshes Poem by Edward Iacona

THE PAWS THAT REFRESHES
Edward Iacona

'I just love coming home to my Phil, '
She said, 'He waits for me at the door
'He wraps his arms around my neck
How could I ever be loved more? '

'He nuzzles me all over my face
He kisses and then nibbles my chin.
His affection will lift my spirit
No matter the poor mood I'm in.'

Is this what I really want to hear
While I'm trying to charm her in chat?
Then she finally reveals to me
She's talking about her beloved cat.

It's good to know that she likes affection.
Now my tactile senses are no longer flat.
And within my vivid imagination I think
She and I should try doing all that.

But I give some thought to how Phil acts
And there may be some things I'm forgettin'
If there's anything to re-incarnation there's links
To the Kabbalah or something Tibetan.

Now, I may not be completely correct
But such teachings may explain why.
Although her Phil is a feline right now
He may have once have been a guy.

Oh, what could poor Phil make of this
As he watches us passionately embrace and kiss?
Would his little cat mind still reminisce
About once being human and enjoying such bliss.

But for this cat some things have gone amiss
He offers up his opinion and he is not remiss.
Phil stomps away from this scene to dismiss
With a low growl and an audible hiss.


FOR ALLA (AND PHIL HER CAT)