Hi Luke!
Here goes...
Data: Throughout the ages, from Keats to Giorchamo, poets have
composed "odes" to individuals who have had a profound effect upon their
lives. In keeping with that tradition, I have written my next  poem... in 
honor
of my cat.  I call it....... Ode... to Spot.
(shot of Geordi and Worf in audience, looking mystified at each other)
Felus cattus, is your taxonomic nomenclature
an endothermic quadruped, carnivorous by nature
Your visual, olifactory, and auditory senses
contribute to your hunting skills, and natural defenses.
I find myself intrigued by your sub-vocal oscillations,
a singular development of cat communications
that obviates your basic hedonistic prediliction
for a rhythmic stroking of your fur to demonstrate affection.
A tail is quite essential for your acrobatic talents;
you would not be so agile if you lacked its counterbalance.
And when not being utilized to aid in locomotion,
It often serves to illustrate the state of your emotion.
(Commander Riker begins to applaud, until a glance from Counselor
 Troi brings him to a halt)
Data: Commander Riker, you have anticipated my denouement. However,
      the sentiment is appreciated.  I will continue.
O Spot, the complex levels of behavior you display
connote a fairly well-developed cognitive array.
And though you are not sentient, Spot, and do not comprehend
I nonetheless consider you a true and valued friend.
(fade to black for opening sequence of program...)
Have fun with it!
==> Greetings from Brian Dickens, The Netherlands
... Odometer: Measures how much a shapeshifter can shift
--- FMail 1.02
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