when the owner was away

When the owner was away

Leaving the house all locked up

The garden was with Nature

Rain and shine of the day

The elements came

In the quiet of the house

The garden and compound

The littering of leaves and insects

The stray cats had a great time

They could walk through at will

One white cat slept on the shoe rack

The tell tale signs of white hairs

The rain came for the few days

Beating on the grass and the tiled concrete floor

The marks could be seen on the edges of the drain

The dry leaves landed blew by the wind

When the owner returned

The white cat stared in the garden

One hand pointed at the white cat

It ran away climbing up the walls

The elements of Nature

It will take over when it is empty

Of people staying in the homes

Slowly Nature will claim her rights

Look at the empty houses

The elements take over in due process

It becomes an eyesore in the neighbourhood

When owners forget the responsibility