Legend of the Lost Cat

I went exploring one afternoon,
outside where I rarely go.
Things in the grass, things in the air,
but what I did not know.

You called to me, you called and called.  
I pretended not to hear.
Then it got dark and I was scared,
but you were nowhere near.

I followed a fence going on and on
as far as I could see;
and very soon I was lost.
'Now where could my home be?'

Long after I was tired and hungry
and wanted my own bed,
I laid down in the grass
and used my paws to rest my head.

I gave a loud and mighty meow,
as only cats can do;
I listened and I listened,
but I did not hear you.

That night I lay shivering
inside a hollow log.
Protected but a little
from the cold, the damp, the fog.

I growled at every sound.  
I didn't sleep all night.
And I was quite relieved
when it was finally light.

I meant to go straight home.  
I really, really did.
But I just couldn't find my way;
so mostly I just hid.

So many days, so many nights
I wandered everywhere.
But no matter where I went
I could not find you there.

Now little girl who played with me:
I wonder if you cried?
And little boy who pulled my tail:
Do you think I died?

Well, I wanted you to know
that I am cozy and well fed;
And I go to sleep at night
at the foot of a warm, soft bed.

But I can’t help but wonder
what the other kitties do.
Are they out there all alone?  
Or did they find new homes, too?