The Dandy Cat's Tale

Monday's Child posted this marvelous illustration by Felix Lorioux, as the inspiration for writing a children's poem.

The Dandy Cat's Tale

Arriving a fancy gate

with swirling curlicues,

the Dandy Cat said, “Well, I’m here.”

The gate boy said, “Nice shoes.”

The Dandy Cat said,

“Let me in – I am the Dandy Cat.

The gate boy answered in reply,

“I really like your hat.”

The Dandy Cat, his whiskers twitched.

“Sir, don’t take me to task.”

The gate boy nodded as he said,

“You wear a pretty mask.”

The Dandy Cat looked towards the gate.

He said, and here I quote,”

“I wish to get inside this fence!”
“A lovely, spotted coat,”

is what the gate boy told the cat,

“I so admire your stuff,

like boots and gloves and bow tie, Sir,

and well-appointed cuff.”

The Dandy Cat then growled and hissed.

“Dear gate boy – please just cease

you kind words on my feathered hat.

I’m tired by this caprice.

“I’ve been invited by the Queen!

I wish to get inside.

Please do not block my entrance, boy.

My time I cannot bide.”

The gate boy bowed and then he said,

with just a bit of sass,

“Oh Dandy Cat, it does behoove me

not to let you pass.”

“But why,” the cat exploded thus,

“Would you but block my path?

Is it your wish to bring upon you

my dread feline wrath?”

The gate boy started laughing loudly,

 to the cat’s chagrin.

“I hate to say it, Dandy Cat,

but I think you’re 'done in.'

“I’m really not the gate keep boy

whom you want to chastise.

Instead I am Her Majesty,

just dressed in a disguise.”

At that, the ‘boy’ proceeded to

remove his silk chapeau.

With turban gone, the cat could see

it was the Queen, and so

the Dandy Cat apologized

for having been so rude.

The Queen, she laughed to see such sport

on pranking this cat dude.

“Your Majesty!  Oh goodness me!

If you would like my hat,

please have it, and whatever else,”

cried out the Dandy Cat.

The Queen said, “Thanks, but I don’t need

another hat around.

Inside the palace I can get

my jewel-encrusted crown.

“So Dandy Cat, with games now past,

would you please come join me

inside my castle for a bit

of tasty Earl Grey tea?”

The cat said, “Yes,” and so the gate

swung open, beckoning

the Dandy Cat and Royal Queen

and here’s my reckoning:

Together, Cat and Queen agreed

(without a hint of hiss)

to drop the matter, then and there

and never speak of this

tiny bit of switcheroo

involving one’s attire.

Alas, our town soon heard this tale.

No secrets…
                     ...signed, Town Crier.

Hark ye!  Hark ye!

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