One cool cat

You might see him balanced 
on the post at the top
of the porch, 
like a feline finial.

Splayed across the third 
step of the front stoop, 
basking in the sun.

Or perched on the still-warm
hood of the just-parked car,
mitten paws tucked tight
under his furry chest.

So it was not surprising 
when an unknown passerby
knocked on the door,
breathless.

It's awful cold out here
she said, your cat is  
waiting to go inside.

Thank you we said, but he's
not our cat. We're just one
of the houses he visits.

He lives across the way.
Can go inside any time,
we explained.

Doesn't want to.

His name is Tigger, we tell
her. A Maine Coon cat.

The coolest cat in the
neighborhood.