Catalogue


The library cat is sleek and black
and doesn't shed fur on the books.
He grins from the counter; the children smile back,
but there's more to him than his good looks.

At night, when it's quiet, he leaps from his bed
and sits at the catalogue screen;
he is learning the titles from A up to Z
and knows Dewey's numbering scheme.

So don't be surprised, when you are confused
and ask at the desk for some help,
if a small black cat jumps down and miews
just follow him straight to the shelf.

Chrissie Williams, August 2004