THE CAT TOY

After the park and a belly full,

Clover should’ve been calm and dull.

But dinner sparks a secret flame,

And trouble-hunting is her game.

Her eyes go wide, a feral gleam,

Like mischief dancing in a dream.

She prances off, her tail held high,

A wolfhound pup with schemes to try.

The cats all scatter, wise and quick,

They know her post-supper antics’ trick.

But one small toy was left behind—

A plushy hedgehog, doomed, resigned.

With pounces grand and chomps so bold,

She claimed her prize, her teeth took hold.

The hedgehog squeaked, then silence fell—

Clover’s triumph, oh, she wore it well.

Two days later—what a sight!

That hedgehog reappeared one night.

Scrubbed and washed, returned with cheer,

It’s back with cats… yet danger’s near.

For Clover watches, sly and keen,

Her wild eyes glimmer, sharp and green.

One hedgehog toy, one hungry pup—

The cycle waits to start back up.