I Gatti di Siracusa

The Cats of Siracusa

 Sitting in a cafe
  across from the cathedral
I saw a cat traipse in front of my table
 As I saw it wander
  in front of a closed trattoria
It turned and met my gaze
 Curiously enough
  it beckoned me to follow it
To this alley close by
 In this small residential enclave
  here, there and everywhere
lied a conclave of cats
 Asleep they all were
  in boxes, on cars, on vespas, on walls
but they raised their heads upon my arrival
 They pondered my presence
  languidly yawning
Resting their heads back to sleep
 But coming to meet me
  sauntering over
Was this small, little, tiny siamese
 He sat at my feet
  looked up at my face
And there he began to speak.
 "We cats may act lazy
  but our habits are good
For we all have learned to take life easy
 "Take heed, human man
  to eat, lounge and nap
Your lifespan will surely expand
 "Remember, nothing in excess
  always stay calm
and limit your amount of duress
 "The Romans paid mind
  to our reasonable advice
And so do the Italians in kind
 "We share this with you
  to share and spread round
For the Americans could surely make do."
 He stopped his sing-song
  and scampered away
And I was left wide-eyed, mouth agape
 As I walked back to my cappuccino
  I was startled by boys with firecrackers
And I noticed my temper starting to boil
 But I recalled to my mind
  The cat's advice
And I took a deep breath and sat down
 From that moment on
  When I felt the rage rise
Or to indulge or overwork
 I remembered the little kitty
  then smiled, pleased
At my trip to Siracusa

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