by Stephen Gold

“Palmerston, a rescue cat who became the chief mouser of the [British] Foreign Office, has died in Bermuda.”
—The Guardian

Rest in peace, dear Palmerston.
We’re grieved that you have passed,
Although the mice will be relieved
That you are gone at last.

It’s truly a catastrophe
To learn that you are dead.
Was it curiosity
That killed you, as is said?

Or did a cataclysm
Catapult you from your home
Unto your final resting place
(Perhaps a catacomb)?

I fear that we shall never know
The final catalyst.
Regardless, categorically,
You’ll be profoundly missed.

The dogged laws of nature bear
Upon both cats and men.
Alas, although you had nine lives,
You really needed ten.