During lockdown the greatest solace has been for me

The companionship of my feline bubble buddy

Some nights, after curfew, I pour some wine

And we chat together, to pass the time

I reach out to stroke her and tell her about my day

She raises a paw and pushes my hand away

I sigh and tell her I’m feeling anxious right now

She looks at me disdainfully and says ‘meow’

I vent about work and my concerns for my health

She sits up slowly and starts licking herself

I say, hopefully, ‘sometimes I just really need a hug’

But she suddenly shoots off to slaughter a bug

I sink sozzled on the sofa, thinking about what could have been

And she walks over, and stands on my spleen

I look into her eyes and whisper my love for her

She curls in a circle and gently begins to purr.