The Black Cat

Black cat prowls in the dead of night
While his people sleep quietly inside
He'll bring us a gift when the morning comes
A salamander, a toad, maybe a tiny kitten

When the morning comes he'll be all wet
From running through the sprinkler or the predawn rain
I bring him in and dry him off
And he tells me stories of his night's work

Black cat sleeps in the light of day
The floor, the couch, or on top of Father's shoes
Wherever his body drops that's where he'll stay
Till I come home and then we play

On Halloween night he'll be on patrol
For the witches, ghosts, and goblins coming to the door
He sits bolt upright staring up at such a sight
That's my black cat protector of the night