What is it that this neighborhood cat knows

What is it that this neighborhood cat knows,
who sees me from time to time.  "Hello, friend,"
I say to her.  The cat bounds to me and goes
over on her back.  No need to defend.
What is it that this neighborhood cat knows?

After all, I'm really a stranger.  Such trust
could be betrayed.  What a compliment.
What a privilege. It makes just
the simple act of petting an event.
What is it that this neighborhood cat knows?