by ivana mladenovic
The whiteness of your natural 'collar' was always impressive.
You displayed it proudly during your routinely independent
surveillance of the insignificant below. We marveled at your
presence high atop a precarious balcony ledge or that of a barely
existent fence. Like a true 'monarch' you stood your ground. Rare
permissions for petting and holding occurred on stringently cold
days. Otherwise, we knew exactly where to find you on
unrelentlessly scorching summer months. A 'lounge chair'
patterned with generously leafy ferns was your habitual
sanctuary. That is not to say that you were 'anti-social'. No, far
from it ! In fact, just a timid peak of your head and the combined
strategic placement of a paw or a 'meow' could easily inspire
instant company. What is more, you were a beloved and
entertaining 'ruler'. Your own focused pedicure/manicure on the
rough 'emery board' bark of a useful cactus is photographically
etched into our collective memory. A dynamic and energetic
display of gymnastic coordination with long-stemmed lilac
garden blooms remains unparalleled. But above all, the
surprising agility of your own version of late night 'Pilates' during
an attempted shy glance at our windows is irreplaceable.
So..... for all of the many laughs and good-natured, concerned
observances of our whereabouts, parked cars, and dark alley
ways, we unanimously agree that you gentle 'king' deserve a
Kingdom far safer and grander than any you could have ever
known.