Marko

was my friend. His influence pivotal to my introduction to the wonderful lady that would later become my wife. For this, I thank him every day.

The coolest Black and White moggy you could wish to meet. There is little doubt that he was the alpha-cat in our little posse, always alert and on guard. When Marko got his back up, everyone took notice – such as the day he alerted us to the full grown Peacock and Peahen strutting around on our deck.

His first encounter with snake bites almost cost him his life. Two weeks of recouperation brought him back from virtual paralysis to fully functioning Marko, albeit a little more clingy and with significantly more white hair.

He got back to work as soon as able, shooing off the neighbouring rat-dogs and helping keep the local mouse population at manageable levels but did not seem to understand that there was no need to bring the spoils of hunting into the house.

When not suppressing the vermin he would spend much of his time on the couch nuzzled in between my wife and me until the call for bedtime. Then he would sprint to claim his spot at the foot of the bed.

Alas, a few years later he had (we believe) his final encounter with a snake but this time it was fatal. But he did make it home to say his goodbyes.

Some may say he was only a cat but to us he is the legend that was Marko:

A crash in the bush,

A rustle in a tree.

Sublety was not his forte.

Black and white streak through the yard,

pursued by his constant grey shadow.

The watchman over his patch,

Neighbour’s dogs yelp in distress when ushered away,

Unwelcome visitors to his domain.

Loyal friend to his grey compadre,

Rarely seen apart,

Companions to the end.

Fearless hunter brings home his spoils.

Not always welcome prizes.

‘Show me your hands’ before allowed entry.

Ever polite, voices a greeting crossing the threshold.

First to the chamber when bedtime called.

Bravado his undoing,

Tackling snakes a step too far.

Dramatic to the last, was Marko, the Legend.

Fergws