Ode to Spot

We’ve been watching Star Trek the Next Generation. I think my favorite character is Lt. Commander Data. The actor is quite versatile and the character is very amusing. Here is a favorite.

Ode to Spot – by Lt. Cmdr. Data

Felis Catus

is your taxonomic nomenclature
An endothermic quadruped
carnivorous by nature
Your visual, olfactory
and auditory senses
contribute to your hunting skills
and natural defenses

I find myself intrigued

by your sub-vocal oscillations;
a singular development
of cat communications
that obviates your
basic hedonistic predilection
for a rhythmic stroking of your fur
to demonstrate affection

A tail is quite essential

for your acrobatic talents
You would not be so agile
If you lacked its counterbalance
And when not being utilized to aid in locomotion
it often serves to illustrate
the state of your emotion

Oh, Spot

The complex levels of behavior you display
denote a fairly well developed
cognitive array
And though you are not sentient, Spot,
and do not comprehend
I nonetheless consider you
a true and valued friend