Old black cat

My old black cat passed away this morning
he never knew what a hard day was.
woke up late and danced on tin roofs.
if questioned "why?" answered, "just because."
He never spoke much, preferring silence:
eight lost lives was all he had.
occasionally sneaked some sunday dinner.
he wasn't good and he wasn't bad.
My old black cat wasn't much of a looker.
you could pass him by ? just a quiet shadow.
got pushed around by all the other little guys.
didn't seem to mind much ? just the way life goes.
Padded about in furry slippers.
didn't make any special friends.
he played it cool with wide-eyed innocence,
receiving gladly what the good lord sends.
Forgot to give his christmas present.
black cat collar, nice and new.
thought he'd make it through to new year.
i guess this song will have to do.
My old black cat...
old black cat...