You showed up near the barn today.
Pretty cat, a coat of smoky grey.

I spoke, you jumped in fright.
Instantly leaping, taking flight.

Whoa, relax, no need to run away.
Pretty cat, a coat of smoky grey.

I try to reassure with a soft voice.
You continued to run, your choice.

Wondering to myself, are you a stray?
Pretty cat, a coat of smoky grey.

Brought to the country, dropped off.
No way to treat an animal, I scoff.

Snows deep, hiding all your prey.
Pretty cat, a coat of smoky grey.

One day feeling you are someone's friend.
Next in a foreign place, for yourself to fend.

At my home, you are invited to stay.
Pretty cat, a coat of smoky grey.

Epilogue: Living in the country, we often find animals that have been dropped off by those who do not want them anymore, for what ever reason.
This handsome man was abandoned over a year ago and was very wild. He has not let the author pet him as yet, but he has mellowed and does not run away anymore. He still keeps his distance, but sits and listens to me praise him, while surveying me with his gorgeous yellow eyes. He knows that he is welcome and does have a warm place in the barn to escape the weather and predators. One day maybe I will gain his trust.