Black Jack

He came in black, no leash, no name Two white dots on a chest that owns the frame Eyes like he's been around the block before Settled in like he'd lived here — three lives more Shelter said he's gentle, shelter said he's sweet Didn't mention he'd be running every street Kindergartens calling, Facebook going wild This cat moves like a very dangerous child Don't stroke the lower back, that's a warning sign He'll flip the switch on you — he does it every time Read it in his eyes, hear it in the sound Last warning, friend — don't push your luck around Black Jack, Black Jack Ripper in the dark Black Jack, Black Jack Sparrows in the park He'll charm you, disarm you Then take your hand apart Black Jack — three names, one cat Six years, one heart Dog tried once — the dog did not come out ahead Lost a claw, walked home, slept it off instead Bit leg, healed fast, didn't slow him down He was back on marble windowsills by sundown Goes missing like he's testing where you stand Shows up on a shelter report — tagged, not scanned Social butterfly with teeth behind the smile Collects your trust — then gone again for a while Don't stroke the lower back, that's a warning sign He'll flip the switch on you — he does it every time Read it in his eyes, hear it in the sound Last warning, friend — don't push your luck around Black Jack, Black Jack Ripper in the dark Black Jack, Black Jack Sparrows in the park He'll charm you, disarm you Then take your hand apart Black Jack — three names, one cat Six years, one heart I've learned my tells — he's learned mine back A "No" that sticks, a "Yes" that lands exact I used to push when I should've let it be Turns out the hard lessons — they weren't just for him, they were for me Raw meat in a bowl, Royal Canin on standby Hammock by the desk, kingsize bed, the cat sighs He's running every neighbour, every street, every yard Easiest thing in the world to love — hardest to guard [Guitar Solo Interlude] Black Jack, Black Jack Ripper in the dark Black Jack, Black Jack Sparrows in the park He'll charm you, disarm you Then take your hand apart Black Jack — three names, one cat Six years, one heart Six years ago you walked in from the cold Already ancient, already bold Two white dots on a chest of black I never stood a chance — and I'd take that back? Not a chance, Jack Not a single chance