Who lived in a bookstore.
He adopted it by chance
After his owner
Had passed away.
He had lived in the alley,
Surviving on scraps
Left behind from picnics
In the park and workers
On coffee breaks.
When gradually those
Workers began gathering
At the bookstore for
Readings and the
Families went there
For story time,
The cat followed them
At a safe distance.
One night, a sudden
Thunderstorm soaked him,
So the cat huddled by
The doorway, and a cashier
Let him inside.
The cat hesitated by the frame,
Reluctant to re-enter the
Lives of humans, who
Tend to come and go.
Still, he became a frequent
Visitor during coffee breaks
And tea times, so that he
Could get snacks of his own.
Finally, during the next storm,
He came inside for the warmth,
But decided to stay as
The mascot of the shop.
He enjoyed the adoration of
Kids, who loved his playfulness,
As well as adults, who loved
His hunting skills.
The owner named him Jack
Because he was great at
Many trades: he was a champion
Mouser and an ace entertainer.
He could play the roles of
Coy and aloof or warm and
Patient, depending on who
Was in attendance.
Everyone grew to love
Him so much that a sketch
Of his portrait was hung
In the window as a
Welcome sign.
Eventually, he slowed
Down as he grew older
And he retired to the
Shelter of his owner’s home.
When he too passed on,
He was mourned,
But he was also remembered
Fondly by everyone
In the neighborhood
As a symbol of the
Community, and the
Warmth people felt
When they saw him
At the bookstore.
So, if one stormy night,
You should see a cold wet
Cat in an alleyway,
Maybe you will consider
Leaving a dish of food
On your back steps.
You may never know
If that cat could need a friend
Or could possibly become
The friend you need too.