I loved to work in solitude - M. Robbins

I loved to work in solitude

amidst my flowerbeds,
but Boots and Dolly, my two cats,

thought I was there for fun.

Had I found some weeds

near my iris bed?

Well, that was great to Dolly's mind -

"A neat new place to sleep!"

Had I dug a hole

for gladiola bulbs?

Then work must stop for Boot's white paws

had found a place to play.

I couldn't use the hoe,

Boots' tail was just too near; 

and if I had wanted to pull some moss,

Dolly would have stalked my hands.

That's the way I used to work

in lovely solitude;

but Boots and Dolly are no more -

and now I just work and cry!  

     M. Robbins

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