Acceptance Speech

Our cat has nominated me for Human of the Year,
All on account of me knowing the important spot behind his ear,
And the promise of a steady supply of tuna.
In my acceptance speech which, I admit, I’m already writing in my head,
I’ll generously acknowledge the team that made it possible:
The tuna himself, plus those two small children
Who lobbied hard for you, finally convincing me on the day
They were so desperate for a pet that they named a ladybug.
I’ll thank the ladybug,
and the volunteers at the animal shelter
And the luck that led us to meet each other’s eyes,
Mine brown, yours brilliant green
And make our choice.
Now those children are on their way out into the world
Transforming you from a family pet, to mine,
And transforming me from a mom raising kids
To a woman with a cat.
Not your fault, I’ll say in the speech,
And bow for applause.