Natalie adopted Balthazar one December day. Leery at first, he hid in corners. But, like the Star of Bethlehem, hunger led him daily to his food bowl.

Finally, on January 6th, Balthazar found his way to the cradle of Natalie’s lap, with no gold or frankincense, but plenty of purr.

Thomas A. North has had several cats during his lifetime. The current one is on his lap as he types this. See more at itrhymesattimes.wordpress.com.