"The Feline Condition"

Maxwell - Pensive, strikingly beautiful, my persian gazes outside our front room window.
It all began the day we met, the day he chose me to take him home.
Nicholas and I were seeking a companion for our other restless cat in the apartment.
"Do you like this striped one with the Egyptian Eyes?"
"What about that orange one over there?"
Then suddenly averting my gaze were these enormous
paws of fluff reaching outside the bars.
It was not just the fluff. It was then, I knew.

As soon as I looked over a bit closer, a gentle roar full of affection filled the room.
Could he be purring at me?
How could anything purr in this wretched place?
Beautiful golden eyes peered through the shadows as I was taken by his beauty.
"But he's a persian -- don't they have squishy noses?" “No, his isn't so bad.”
In fact, none of that matters anymore. He crawls in my lap every afternoon and night. Sometimes in the bedroom.
*Don't tell Nicholas!*
I am sure, affirmed every day that this cat simply
could not seek out enough love nor get enough love from humans.
Every time he comes to me he is happy, and in dire need of affection.

Indeed though, it was only a few nights ago that we had that "talk."

My eyes welled up at the thought of that night, a few nights ago.
It all began when I heard voices during the night. Guys night voices, to be precise.
"He's gone" "He got out" "That door dasher Maxwell!"

My beautiful Maxi has one fatal flaw.
His penchant for breaking the rules, and to explore his stronger inclinations.
Yes, it may only be a second when a neighbor is at the door,
A package is being delivered, or Guys Night comers are leaving.

Maxwell has his own prerogative. He has endless persistence
in spite of all dangerous odds.
A proven Ninja kitty at its finest.
So, he was gone. And it was October. Oh dear, and he is black.

A few minutes after the guys night members had left,
Nicholas and I sorted our thoughts and sought him out again.
I knew this time Maxwell needed to know – it was not safe for him to be outside.
Then a dash of black fluff across the way appeared.
Running furiously from both of us.

I stopped and fell to the ground.
“Maxwell please come back” “Please, you must!!”
His stride slowed. He stopped at a bush and gazed back with glittering eyes.
"Freedom tonight mum?"

Slowly he came toward me. His bottle-brush tail swishing against the bush.
I knew his change of heart when I heard that familiar roar.
It was then I told him of the uniqueness of his condition-- the feline condition.
He is safe now. That's all that matters.
I told myself "Hopefully I made a difference-- until next time that is."

Oh, and when you come over - please watch the door