My old black cat passed away this morning   He never knew what a hard day was.   Woke up late and danced on tin roofs.   If questioned “Why?” – answered, “Just because.”      He never spoke much, preferring silence:    eight lost lives was all he had.   Occasionally sneaked some Sunday dinner.    He wasn’t good and he wasn’t bad.      My old black cat wasn’t much of a looker.   You could pass him by – just a quiet shadow.   Got pushed around by all the other little guys.   Didn’t seem to mind much – just the way life goes.      Padded about in furry slippers.   Didn’t make any special friends.   He played it cool with wide-eyed innocence,   Receiving gladly what the good Lord sends.      Forgot to give his Christmas present.   Black cat collar, nice and new.   Thought he’d make it through to New Year.   I guess this song will have to do.      My old black cat……….   Old black cat…………