One ordinary day, for most men,
I met a cat from Katmandu,
Who told me about the day when
Leap year's extra day is in view –
And today is really that very day

She told me of Mrouwee far,
The planet of their birth,
So once a year, by that strange star
They celebrate on Earth
And they are so happy and want to play

As we spoke, we ate and drank
Water and biltong crumbs
While ina corner, cold and dank,
A guitarist softly strums,
Which encouraged us to stay

Until the day turned into dusk
She told me, she must go.
"I need to remove the mouldy rusk
And clean up – to and fro –
For tonight's great feast to display."

She stood up tall, and looked overhead,
Then lifted her paw, and gave me a touch:
I reached out my hand, said
"Thank you so much;
I had an extraordinary day."

By Roslyn Fielding