As Good As It Gets

Maggie (L) and Nicky (R)asleep together.
(Click picture for larger view)

"It is thought a disgrace to love unrequited. But the great will see that true love cannot be unrequited. True love transcends the unworthy object, and dwells and broods on the eternal, and when the poor interposed mask crumbles, it is not sad, but feels rid of so much earth, and feels its independency the surer."
~ Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882), U.S. essayist, poet, philosopher. From "Friendship," Essays, First Series (1841, repr. 1847).

This is as good as it gets. Nicky loves Maggie; follows her around like a little puppy dog hoping to play or snuggle or even sit quietly with her. Maggie will have none of it. She hisses, spits and runs snarling from the room when he approaches her. They both love to sleep on the big bed. Usually she keeps to the top and he is banished to the bottom of the bed with pillows in between so as to block him from her view. This candid moment was captured before Maggie knew Nicky was so close. She must have been really sleeping soundly not to have heard him jump up on the bed; or he very slowly weaseled his way to the top of the bed noiselessly. (he is pretty good at slowly slinking) How he accomplished this maneuver is a mystery but the result is a picture of unrequited love and the contentment that comes with "almost".

You can find Nicky and Maggie with their feline, canine and other friends at Friday's Ark. Also, be sure to visit Carnival of the Cats on Sunday, this week hosted by Music and Cats. (end of post)