My Mistress

My Mistress admonishes me

With the pressure of her nails

A flash of her Amber eyes:

"Your place is here – your hand is mine."

In playful games, to see

How far her teeth can go

- To make me cry.

Angry with me,

She turns her back

Away from me she sleeps,

But in deepest slumber

Her body turns back to me,

Saying,

- "I forgive."

At night she cleans her glossy hair,

Stretches, walks around.

Implies: "I'm bored here

Wait for me until dawn."

And with a graceful jump

- She's gone.

After restless listening

For her sounds maybe coming

Sleepless waiting for her warmth

In the morning she returns.

Stretching, yawning, gloating:

"I had a busy time.

Where is my food? And

- mind your step!"

But when she decides to be kind,

Settles on my lap, staring

Purring at me: "Love you"

Dare I say – adoration

Is the light shining in her eyes?

All is forgotten, just remaining

The precious moment.

Because, a cat's affection

Is true, without pretense or want.

For she already has all

When she accepts you as her slave.

But beneath the loving exchange,

There is always the warning:

"Don't you dare to move!

- Or I shall leave."

Katharina Varzi, April 2006-04-03