Outlived

An old tomcat sits in the yard his fur tinged with gray
His eyes glazed over, blind against threats that come his way
Mousing days have ended, he is no longer of household use
Missing teeth and claws upon which he depended, rats to reduce

Body scarred and battered, run over by a mowing machine
Coat of dignity scattered but mean as a wolverine
No food is left for him, no saucer of rewarding milk
Yet with crippled limb he grooms fur, soft as Mulberry silk

Shadows of day sweep over him as night's darkness falls
His once well fed body grows slim as he rests against once warm walls