In Heaven things were busy
Earth day was growing late
When St. Peter turned to God and said,
"There's a Tabby at the Gate."
"I don't know how long she's been there,
She didn't even mew."
"Let her in," God replied,
"And we'll see what she will do."
The Tabby was but skin and bones,
Her fur was coarse and dry
She sat patiently outside that gate
And heaved a weary sigh.
The gate was then swung open
And in the Tabby walked.
She looked around, blinked her eyes,
And to God began to talk.
"I've had a long cat-life,
Mostly happy as can be.
But I had an illness none could cure
So my person set me free."
"I wasn't sure you'd let me in,
There is belief on earth
That cats don't go to heaven,
That we're lacking in our worth."
God then gave a worried sigh
Of weariness and grief
And reassured the Tabby,
"There's no truth to that belief."
"Cats are sent to earth
To represent a key
To the unconditional, purest love
That comes to all from Me."
"For there are some people
Who need something they can see,
And feel and touch in order to
Confirm belief in Me.
"So I have sent all the cats
(and other creatures too)
To show how a perfect love
Can come to them, too."
"I'm relieved," the Tabby said,
"It's been a long, long day."
God said, "I'll need to know your name
Should you decide to stay."
"My name is Pan-Z," she replied
"And I'd like to see a friend,
A person I once lived with
Before her time did end."
A garden then opened up
Before Miss Pan-Z's eyes
She saw her long-lost person
And gave glad little cries.
As she padded through the garden
A miracle occurred.
Her fur turned soft, her body round
And in her throat she purred.
She hopped into the waiting lap
And nuzzled a well-loved face
Both Pan-Z and her person
Had found their state of Grace.
So when in Heaven things are busy
And earth day is growing late
St. Peter is keeping one eye out
In case a Tabby's at the Gate.
By Nancy Partney in Loving Memory of Pan-Z