All Except One Poem by Theresa Ann Moore

There once was an exuberant rooster.
He was a genuine morale booster…
Tuscany was where he came from.
He played a cheerful little drum.

He was always smiling and crowing.
His optimistic outlook was ongoing.
He was admired by almost everyone.
He was despised by a friendless one.

There was an orange stripped cat
Who lay twitching on his flat mat.
'You are a nuisance…quit right now! '
He angrily said, as he raised an eyebrow.

'No one can rest while you disturb…
Here is a bit of advice in a verb
Stop! I mean it or I’ll certainly curse,
So pronto, put your gears in reverse.'

The rooster stopped, and listened.
His smiled and his eyes glistened…
'You are surrounded by love and joy
Come on now and get up and enjoy.'

Suddenly a feline paw struck out…
'You don’t know what life is all about!
It is a struggle that only ends in death.'
You are a stupid idiot, so hold your breath.

The drum fell silent and bloody feathers flew.
Onlookers gawked; they didn’t know what to do.
There was a shocked emptiness causing concern.
The anticipation of contentment took a cruel turn.

As the sun set, the residents sadly observed.
The rooster’s demise was not at all deserved…
Faintly, there appeared to be a slight beat.
The dark journey was far from complete.

Joy was restored to the sad grieving city.
Everyone stays clear of the wretched kitty.
They could not change his miserable disposition.
Alone, he thrives on his worsening condition.