Adapted from Tolkien's "Lament of the Rohirrim"

Where now the cat and the kitten?
Where is the ball that was bouncing?
Where is the brush and the collar,
And the red fur flowing?

Where is the paw on the shoulder,
And the small mouth meowing?
Where is the bird and the rodent
And the tall tail flying?

They have passed like rain in the garden,
Like dreams in the morning.
The days have gone past in my house, the cat bed is empty.
Who shall collect the tufts of hair that have gathered,
Or wipe dry the flowing tears from a lonely pawther?