Who stalks the
alleys at night
And climbs into the
trash containers
To find a tasty
bite.
“Cat food is a
bore,” he says,
“And doesn’t suit my
taste.
Besides,” he adds,
“it’s silly to let
Good food go to
waste.”
The local cats
admire his skills
To manage on his own
And how he’s able to
clean remaining
Meat off any bone.
Before the trash
collectors come by
To empty the bins,
ol’ Herc
Rummages through the
open containers,
Keeping busy at
work.
Rodents are no match
for him
When he’s in the
mood
To supplement his
diet with
A fresher type of
food.
“Residents don't,”
he says with sigh,
“Appreciate us cats.
Because of our great
diligence,
The streets have
fewer rats.
“A problem
nowadays," he laments--
“A definite no
brainer--
Is how to manage
when there is
A lid on the trash
container.
“You must learn to
be dexterous, agile,
Sneaky, snappy, and
clever."
Some give up when
they are challenged,
But Hercules will
never!
It's said that Herc
often receives
The blame for being
a pater
After encounters
with lady cats--
Sixty-some days
later.
“I’m known for being
promiscuous,
But that is just a
rumor,”
He says with a wink
to let us know
He has a sense of
humor.
“It’s dangerous at
night,” he says,
“For there’s a
threatening owl
That flies in from
the park, and dogs
Are always on the
prowl.
“In order to survive
in life--
You can take it from
me--
You always need
alternatives--
What you call Plan
B.
“I am an expert at
dodging and prancing;
My skills are hard
to beat.
When YOU take a
fall, are you always
Able to land on your
feet?
"Fate has given
me obstacles,
Which I call my 'Labors.'
If you don't believe
me, well,
Just ask all the
neighbors."
So Hercules, or
Herc, if you will,
While not seeking
fame,
Hopes that he,
nevertheless,
Can live up to his
name.
-by Bob B (2-10-20)
(photos from online sources)
(photos from online sources)
