Saint Francis Preaches to the Cats Who Pay No Attention

“You cats and kittens, praise the Lord
who gave you claws to be your sword,
who clothed you with his softest fur
and graced you with your gracious purr.

He made you hunters without peer,
attentive both in eye and ear.
But when you take your prey alive,
be merciful – spare one in five.”

They listened, but with hearts reserved.
They thought the praises well deserved.
But when he turned to good advice,
their eyelids fell. They dreamed of mice.

Gail White

painting by Cyra R. Cancel