Thursday, April 15, 2010

old man




I still remember him as the tiniest little boy, his ears bigger than his entire body.

He shook when I first held him.

Later that afternoon, I carried him in my hand as I bought his first bag of cat food.

He was a very good traveler.

I briefly considered naming him Ferdinand, for his peaceful sweetness.

He liked to climb into the front pocket of my sweatshirt and have me carry him around the house.

But in the end, Fergus Duncan MacTavish won out.

He seemed Scottish.

He was very distinguished.

Fancy even.

He is picky with whom he chooses to spend his time.

Not everyone makes the cut.

But he always, always, always makes time for me. Becoming that squishy-faced love muffin I knew those many years ago.
Now I see gray in his goatee.

It makes me sad that he doesn't move as fast--

that he doesn't climb underneath the hall rug--

or fit into my pocket--

or try to jump on Phoebe's head (those were some funny moments).

But I don't tell him that.

I tell him that the gray just makes him look more distinguished.

What do you think?






7 comments:

Anonymous said...

You had me worried. I thought this had an unhappy ending. WHEW!

Please tell his royalness that I think the gray is quite distinguished. And since he's Scottish royalty, he's like the feline Sean Connery.

Alicia said...

Yeah, me too. Worried. Glad to see the distinguished gentleman is still kicking.

Pickles and Dimes said...

I thought the same as Shelly. Whew!

I think he is gorgeous. I love his eyes!

Midnight Rambler said...

Looks (and sounds) like my old boy, Chester, the handsomest cat around ... though distinguished didn't really describe him. But Fergus definitely looks distinguished, and quite suave against his tartan blanket. But now I miss my old boy :-(

Swistle said...

Oh he's lovely!

(And I agree: sounded like it was going to be an obituary, despite the title!)

Lynne's Somewhat Invented Life said...

What a beautiful cat. I think cats have a special place in Heaven--not that yours is going anytime soon--first they will get the lecture, "You are not the center of the Universe," and then they will be sent to everyone who needs comforting. It will be a good life.

The Importance of being Allen said...

I am with everyone else. I too thought something bad had happened to Ferg. He is a pretty kitty. I like his grey wiskers.