An Ode to Silver by Anonymous

The email on your foster 

said you were the sweetest kitten 

in the shelter.

In the picture you were small, just a grey tabby

with a white underbelly.

In person, more than the picture, 

you were silver, with big emerald green eyes.

When I first sat with you, 

I was more scared than you were.

But you came to me instantly, even though I was a stranger,

rubbing against my leg endlessly.

You slow-blinked at me with big, green, heart-eyes,

I picked you up and you didn't hiss, scratch, or bite.

You follow me around the house,

wishing only to rub against my leg,

to knead biscuits onto my bed,

and nuzzle your wet nose against my hand.

You let me rub your belly with such ease

that I was puzzled to find out you were shy

and scared of everyone else.

Three years have passed of greeting me at the door,

of clipping your nails and brushing your tail.

Playing from nine until midnight, 

And scooping your litter,

feeding you dinners, 

And buying you gifts.

I blow you an air kiss;

And now, when I wake up at night,

I reach out with my leg, 

just to see if you’re still sleeping beside me in bed.