“Ode to Tibbs, Emperor of the Heart” (Heart Songs with Dr. Ken)

“Ode to Tibbs, Emperor of the Heart” Verse 1 In the halls of Terra Vista, where the soft winds sigh, Walked Tibbs, our Tiberius, with a noble lion’s pride. Runt of fate, yet crowned in grace, (parvus sed praeclarus) — small yet magnificent in place— Born to roam the marble dreams of a kingdom by the sea. Chorus O Tibbs, my emperor, ruler of my days, Your purr was like a drumbeat in the ancient Roman ways. Through seventeen sweet seasons and eighty-five human years, Your love was my corona amoris— my wreath of love through all the years. Verse 2 He climbed like a young centurion up curtains, screens, and walls; He guarded fish in glowing tanks like treasures of the halls. He yowled for dawn, for salmon feast, for headbutts earned, for gentle peace— A warrior with a softened heart, his law was amor et fides. Chorus O Tibbs, my emperor, ruler of my days, Your purr was like a drumbeat in the ancient Roman ways. Through seventeen sweet seasons and eighty-five human years, Your love was my corona amoris, your loss my falling tears. Bridge When he wandered from the kingdom, three long nights the lamps stayed lit; But Tibbs returned with dusty fur— magnus felix reditus, a great and blessed return of it. With sparrows in his window frame, and ravens singing near— He reigned until that winter day when the winds grew calm and clear. Final Chorus O Tibbs, my emperor, ruler of my heart, in aeternum—forever— our love will never part. Now from celestial rooftops he watches birds take flight— My Tibbs, my noble emperor, still purring in the light.