A Country Gentleman

My name is Max. I was a city born boy who loved to roam the neighborhood and was welcomed into many of the neighbor's homes.I was the warrior of the whole place, no other cat dared to cross my path. But my real home was with Kathleen. I was born in Kathleen's home 12 years ago. I was carried about by small children and even dressed in baby clothes! Then my family decided to leave my beloved neighborhood and move so far away out in a jungle of trees, thorns, dirt and weird creatures. I could not believe my eyes when I was placed on the grounds to explore. What was Kathleen thinking? There were no other voices, no other tidbits of food to try, no garbage bins to explore. Just miles and miles of trees and pasture land. I decided I would not stay! I meowed my protests, but everyone just smiled and patted my head. So I took off on my own to find my old neighborhood. As much as Kathleen loved me, I knew she would come to her senses and move back with me. For four days and nights I walked and walked, but could still not find any sign of loud cars, loud voices or garbage. Tired and thirsty, I gave in and found my way back to this new home that Kathleen picked out for me. It's been 6 years now. I spend my days exploring in the thick woods and tall grass,..... but more often these days, I spend my time lying on the coolness of the front porch. My warrior days are done. I leave the fighting to the new cats that have come to live here. I have retired my city ways and have slowed down to become a country gentleman instead. Life has been good and I am content. Once in while, while I sleep, my tail thumps and my mouth quivers, as I once again visit the houses..... the neighborhood, where once again, I am the warrior.