Ah, So Many Cats In The World

For my sister Shura

Ah, so many cats in the world, You and I could never count them. The heart dreams of sweet peas, And a blue star is ringing. Whether awake, delirious, or just waking up, I remember this from long ago- A kitten was purring on the couch, Looking at me with indifference. I was still a child then, But at hearing grandmother's song, He leapt up like a young tiger cub At the ball of yarn she had dropped. All has passed. I lost my grandmother. As to the cat, several years later They made a hat out of him, And our grandfather wore it out.