On Cats - Edit 2

[RC James]

I'm mad
or at least I'm
headed that direction
no longer at the helm of my
own thoughts.

I like helm of my own thoughts, maybe just "headed there" instead of "that direction"

Before
loneliness sat
beside me unquestioned.
My ever-present companion.
Now though

comma after before - unquestioned, no cap on my present...

I smile
I feel new warmth
missing from my bed, its tenant
dreaming sweet nothings from afar
and still

slipping
so gracefully
through my thoughts -- like a cat
between plants in a windowsill
garden.

I like this stanza, clear image of cat slipping between plants.

Bated
I welcome her
recalling what it's like
when you're used to petting a cat
but can't.