To sum up all, I'm old -- and that's br A fact the years decide; br It is a common thing with cats br And not a thing to hide. br br But to feel what it is -- how kind br How true to love and law br For this you must be quite resigned br And not avoid its paw. br br It does not come as reckless foe br A shrinking prey to take, br But with soft footstep that we know br By comfort in its wake. br br Though it spoils something -- that is true, br Which we must learn to lack br And takes alike from me and you br What never does come back. br br It caters for our failing strength br In many a dainty scrap, br And gently lays us at our length br In some secluded lap. br br It may bless you -- (I think it should) br Beyond what I make out, br With things perhaps too great and good br For cats to talk about. br br Since I find in it blessing free br From all it can destroy, br And so its progress is to me br A miracle of joy. br br But my look out to occupy br And make the most of that.