The calico cat sidled sideways into the shadows
becoming nearly invisible
all but the white flash on her tail
that nothing could disguise.

I knew she was there,
she always was,
just watching, wary,
waiting for me to leave
so she could down the food I left.
In turn,
I was allowed to watch,
from a distance,
as she daintily picked at the dish;
I knew she was hungry
she always was
but refrained from wolfing
in the interest of dignity.
Finished, the calico cat sat and washed
then sidled sideways into the shadows.