The Rivals (Poetry)

I dare say some would think it sweet —
the way you throw yourself at her,
demand attention, preen and purr,
command the comfy seat.

You look adorable, it’s true,
your eyes so bright, your coat so clean,
who’d ever guess your heart’s so mean —
you’re spiteful, through and through.

You wait until she’s turned her back
before you fix me with a stare —
a baleful, calculating glare —
a tacit threat to scratch

should I dare overstep some mark
and trespass on your feline patch.
Think twice, sour puss, you’ve met your match —
my bite’s worse than my bark.

Be warned, young kitty, big-eyed charm
won’t save you, so retract those claws,
this bad old dog’s got itchy paws
and you could come to harm.