for Josh

She lapped at a teacup filled with warm milk
while her companion sipped a White Russian.
Together they applied their minds all night
to the nature of subatomic spin –

which is not well understood, much like a cat.

Nina Simone on the record player, 
the hours past midnight unwound toward dawn
when at last - her beside him the whole time - 
he put the final touch on his thesis

closing with a dedication to her.

This sentiment lives on for posterity
to honor how her presence comforted:
she was steadfast, though rarely underfoot, 
and as is the nature of most felines

her affectionate nuzzles were most welcome
but never to be taken for granted.