On a cat aging

He blinks upon the hearth-rug
And yawns in deep content
Accepting all the comforts
That Providence has sent

Louder he purrs and louder
In one glad hymn of praise
For all the night's adventures
For quiet, restful days

Life will go on forever
With all that cat can wish
Warmth and the glad procession
Of fish and milk and fish

Only - the thought disturbs him
He's noticed once or twice
That times are somehow breeding
A nimbler race of mice

-Sir Alexander Gray-