COUNTING CATS ABROAD
“It is not worth the while to go round the world
to count the cats in Zanzibar .” –Thoreau
The cats of England at the cottage door
Look up expectant, when the milk man comes,
Like furry Olivers who beg for more,
Then take a sun bath in chrysanthemums.
The cats of Belgium own the baker’s shop
Or in the tavern have their private stool.
The cats of Greece, at every culture stop,
Are waiting for a tourist to befool.
Three cats in Finchingfield and two in Ghent,
One on the beach at Paraiso del Mar:
They’ve been before me everywhere I went,
And if I ever get to Zanzibar
I’ll bet they’re waiting on their welcome mats.
What’s travel for if not for counting cats?
