Gracie's Lion Heart

Sitting at the window
  Hail the morning star
Can her cat brain ponder
  Why we came so far?

Crossing Pennsylvania
  Tucked deep down in the van
Inside the darkened portal
  Quietly sleep and then

Bumping sliding through winter storm
  Pappa's hands on the wheel
Patiently she waits with care
  To find a mouse to kill

Death throws of a mouse for her
  Ancient throwback memory
Inside!  Inside!  dear mommy said
  That is your destiny!

But tucked away for days and days
  Traveling unaware
Did she dream herself a predator
  Tucked safely in her lair?

Would unsuspecting beasts flit by
  Small, warm 'n' succulent full
Claws, teeth to puncture skin an' bone
  Fantastical pounce and kill?

Upon release stuffed toys, catnip
  A litter box of sand
Warm hands massage her shiny coat
  In sofa safari land

Still with me she sees the sun
  Chatters at birds in flight
No fear have they of the untamed heart
  Wishing it could own the night.