Nobody had to show you
where the sun is
or that my back
could serve the same purpose
as a tree.

Why, you are hardly old enough
to know the difference
between your tail and a shadow,
yet the warm radiator
and your bowl of water
are already old friends

The way you look up at me
with a saint in each eye
one would never suspect
that you chase birds and chickens
and steal stale bread
from the neighbour's trashcan.

Lay off, you beggar,
I just fed you
and took you walking.

Go spring
into the autumn leaves.
Nuzzle and roll
as if there were nothing
in the whole wide world
but fun.

How is it
that you play
with my shoelace
and understand so well
how to love me?

For this you shall have
the key to my bedroom
and the degree
of master of arts.