26 MAY 1950, Page 14

Parting from a Cat

WHOEVER says farewell, Has, for acquaintance, Death: Small death, maybe, but still Of all things-dreaded most. Yesterday I lost

An old, exacting friend Who for ten years had haunted My labours like a ghost, Making my days enchanted With feline airs and fancies. Time, no doubt, will send Some solace ; and I know Memory enhances The half-companionship Which is the most that can Exist between cat and man. But even so, I mourn

With a miniature grief That won't relax its grip Whichever way I turn, Seeking to forget

My unimportant pet, And that all life is brief. RICHARD CHURCH.