A CATS PRAYER     I HOPE I'M NOT ASKING TOO MUCH LORD ALL I WANT IS A HOME OF MY OWN, AND TO KNOW... THAT MY NEXT MEAL IS COMING INSTEAD OF THE SCRAPS I GET THROWN. I'VE BEEN OUT IN THE WORLD FOR SO LONG NOW COPING AS BEST AS I CAN BUT IT'S NOT SO LONG I'VE FORGOTTEN THE TOUCH OF SOFT CARING HAND. I LOOK IN HOUSE WINDOWS, AT FAMILIES AS CHILDREN DOZE BY THE FIRE QUITE REPLETE- HOW I'D WELCOME A BOX IN THE KITCHEN AND FOOD FOR ME TO EAT. FOR ME THERE WAS TINSEL AND GIFTWRAP BUT THE FUN DIDN'T LAST VERY LONG- THEY PUT ME OUT WITH THE RUBISH I DON'T KNOW WHAT I DID WRONG. I REALY DON'T WANT TO BE GREEDY AT THE MOMENT I'M ALL SKIN AND BONE SO WOULD IT BE TOO MUCH TO HOPE FOR? THAT SOMEONE WILL GIVE ME A HOME ? Although I am too proud to beg, and may appear to be a very independent creature, I ask for your loving care and attention. I rely on you for my well being much more than you may realize. This I promise you, my benefactor, that I will not be a burden on you nor will I demand more of you than you care to give. I will be a quiet peaceful island of serenity for you to gaze upon; a soft soothing body to caress, and I shall purr with pleasure to rest your weary ears. ... I pray you will give me a variety of nutritious foods and fresh water daily. You know dear friend,. Allow me, I pray, a warm sheltered place where I can rest peacefully and feel secure. If I am wounded or suffering from disease, please tend me gently, and see that I am treated by loving and competent hands. Please protect me from the inhuman humans who would hurt and torture me for their own amusement. I am accustomed to your gentle touch and am not always suspicious nor swift enough to avoid such malicious acts. In my later years when my senses fail me and my infirmities become to great to bear, allow me the comfort and dignity that I desire for my closing days and help me gently in my pain or passing. Hear this prayer, my dear friend, my fate depends on you.