Catnapped

Smokey was a lovely cat. He was a big black Persian, And Mama had a lady friend, Who was a not nice person. She lived across the way from us, And envied everyone. Whatever nice things that they had, Were hers when day was done. She'd find a way to get it, A way to make it hers. She couldn't just go buy one. She'd open not her purse. She liked Smokey very much. Talked oft about his beauty. She often asked my mom for him. She said, "Don't ask for things unduly." She told her to stop asking, Because he was our cat. She said, "You came here for a visit. Here's tea and now lets chat." That day our cat went missing, And Mama knew the score; For she had a reputation, And she'd give her what for. She waited days for Smokey, To return unto his home. Then she went for a visit, To the lady at her home. She didn't want to let Mom in. Said she'd come over after, But Smokey heard Mom's voice, And he set up a clatter. He howled and yowled and Mama said, "You give me back my cat! If you don't I'll take him back! You can be sure of that!" Her daughter opened up the door, And Smokey ran to Mom. She gave the woman a warning look, Said, "This friendship now is done." We never saw that one again., And Smokey never roamed. I guess he found it safer, When he stayed close to home.