Ode to Ace

by Eleanor Black

Another creature has never been such,

Made up of sunshine and grace.

And I cannot say I’d love any as much

As the one we call Ace.

Wagging back-and forth is his tail, 

quirked like a question in his big green eyes.

Falling down the stairs when his back legs fail. 

Such an innocent would never tell me lies.

He is the warmth on a cold winter night,

the thing that keeps me sane in the void.

And when my hand strokes the black and white

on his soft, slippery fur, he is overjoyed.

I would never trust him to catch any sort of rat,

for he is far too dumb, such a funny cat.

Ode to Holly

by Eleanor Black

A deep, fiery coat of auburn,

a creature with far too much folly.

But she is the sweetest I know, 

for the biggest heart belongs to Holly.

Galavanting through fields of green,

long legs flying like feathers on wings.

To not love her would be obscene,

for she has love for everyone and everything.

Lay on the couch beside her,

covered in a blanket that smells like Dog.

Rest your head upon red and gray fur,

though some may say to love her is odd. 

Full of love to give, though at first she never received,

this dog is far too perfect to be believed. 

Ode to Mary

by Eleanor Black

Never stare into her deep, scowling eyes,

for you may not like what you see. 

Yellow as the miserable, smog-filled skies,

they tell you who you’re meant to be. 

Sharp claws dug into tender skin, 

edged in anger, but also fear. 

Past lives, seven for each sin.

Perhaps there are more, and the end is not so near. 

A bebe bullet lodged in her side, 

but we now stroke it with affection. 

Tell her she should never have to hide

from us any imperfection. 

She is bold and courageous, and terrifying at that.

But I really do love her, that mean little cat.