The life and death of no ordinary cat

For Grigio, 1987- 2003

First spring, you cruised the storm drain 
Came back raccoon savaged, uncowed.
And with husky mane that summer 
You grew bolder, you grew loud
With the murder of those bunnies 
You assumed the hunting crown, 
And with widened smirk you mocked us 
When the bloodshed made us frown. 

You learned to ride the lift in French,
When Brussels was your home, 
Apartment living never seemed 
To cramp your urge to roam.
When back on Yankee soil 
You settled down to life of bliss,
Kevin's lap replaced your outdoor lairs 
And for years naught went amiss. 

The children of the household,
Long since grown and far away,
Were nonetheless well-loved by you 
Whene'er they came to stay. 
Sixteen years, you played a part
And then this Christmas past,
You slowed to still and family 
Could see it was your last.

Six months gone by, I finally feel,
That I can 'fare-thee-well',
So while you're in kitty heaven
Go on Grigio, give 'em hell! 

We miss you!