Cats blink at dogs of little wit
who fawn and flutter round their master,
knowing their own aloofness bit
gets what they want and gets it faster.
A cat survives on brain and nerve;
its feral life is fierce and fecund,
and yet its dignified reserve
makes Greta Garbo come in second.
Although their servants may be slow
and need to be discreetly prodded,
cats never beg, because they know
that once in Egypt they were godded.
As such their images are used
in sinewed line and sinuous rhythm.
In sport they keep the Muse amused,
and even in sleep the Force is with them.
