The Cat Who Charmed the Dickens Out of Dickens

From the Heart

Louise Gibson

MASTER’S CAT

It is no secret that I love cats-

They make a most loyal friend.

So, needles to say

When I read a story that touches my heart.

My enthusiasm has no end.

English novelist, Charles Dickens

Was a great fan of dogs and birds,

But cats were banned from his home.

Much to his chagrin, all that changed

When his daughter was given a kitten as a gift

That had free rein to roam.

The cat was christened William,

Which was a source of mirth-

William became “Williamina”

Shortly after giving birth!

The feline family was to “stay in the kitchen”

“In a box (can you BELIEVE?)”

Well, needless to say, THAT didn’t happen-

Williamina had other plans “up her sleeve”

One by one she carried her kittens into the study-

But naturally they couldn’t stay!

They were ordered “back to the kitchen”-

Determined, Williamina would have her way.

After two attempts to hide them in the study

She vowed “not to go down in defeat.”

This time she boldly walked up to Dickens

And dropped the kittens at his feet!

Then she looked up at him imploringly

And “begged to stay” with her eyes.

Permission was finally granted-

Much to everyone’s surprise.

The kittens enjoyed the privilege of climbing up the curtains

And scampering across the desk in great fun.

When old enough, all were found good homes,

But Dickens couldn’t find it in his heart to part with one.

Because it was deaf and could not hear its name,

He left it go at that.

Instead, he was known throughout the house

Simply as “The Master’s Cat”.

Indeed he was, he followed Dickens

Like a dog around the house-

And would sit quietly by him as he wrote,

As quiet as a mouse.

Not that The Master’s Cat didn’t demand attention,

After all, he had an ego that had to be fed.

One night Dickens sat in his study,

Completely engrossed as he read.

Suddenly the candle flickered out-

Dickens didn’t notice the cause.

He relit the candle and began to read-

Again, the cat put out the flame with his paws.

A minute ore two later, the candle flickered again.

Dickens looked up just in time- what he saw made him grin!

The author set his book aside

And played with the cat.

He would share the story with his family the next day.

“What do you think of THAT!”

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Tags: Cat, Charles Dickens, Christian bloggers, Poems, Poet, Poetry