A collage for Mr Bear

(my beautiful black cat, otherwise named Otello)

1. Mr Bear eats crick-crack
   
   

   He crouches very still, half prayerful
   low on his paws, tail plumed flat along the floor 
   concentrates most profoundly 
   this is serious activity
   Cats know when it’s a game, and when not.

2. Mr Bear worships the ineffable

At night. He sits perched high
perhaps atop a bookcase
or on a corner of the table 
gazing into far distance
entranced by his own stillness
until his chin droops
too heavy for profundities

3. Mr Bear washes himself

First, somewhat abstracted licking of the paws
Then, casually, one shoulder
But gradually, with growing seriousness
Each secret part
Hush, do not interrupt
until the final tail-tip hair
lies shining and in place

4. Mr Bear dances with Adri

Paws precarious on the shoulder
An anxious furrow on the brow
Must he really go along
With such light-hearted levitation?
Well, alright, provided not too long —
After all, he is my Master ??