Improving By Degrees

Amigo Sammy Centipede,
Got missing several knees,
And even though it slowed his speed,
He’s improving by degrees.

Likewise my pal Pepper-
He saw a brutal fight.
I thought no cat could ever
Recover from that bite.

And then was Mr. Mario
Who slipped from his trapeze,
Well, you know, it stopped the show,
Still-he’s improving by degrees.

And also Missy Magpie,
Her mate, he disappeared.
But finally after her good cry,
I see she’s persevered

I’d heard that hearts are subject
To aching and disease,
Yet- acquaintance taught me to expect
Improvement by degrees.