I do not remember a time when we did not have cats. I grew up with them. Over the years we have had Siamese, Burmese, Tortoiseshell, Black and White, Marmalade and the good old Tabby. Each one has been unique, each with its own little way. They have brought me so much joy and often sorrow when their lives ended, in some cases in an untimely manner.
I decided to write this poem for all my cats, past and present.
CATS
Unblinking eyes of blue and green
Staring into mine
What secret mysteries have you seen,
What knowledge of all time?
Deep asleep beside the fire,
In lap or at my feet
Do you dream dreams
Do you think thoughts,
Heedless of the heat?
Climbing trees or playing tag
Can you know what freedom means
Or understand philosophy
Is your life just what it seems?
And yet you cannot answer,
The Gods gave you no voice
You could wander wild and free
Yet men remain your choice.
Your love is unconditional
As steadfast and as true
As bright and deep and gleaming
As those eyes of green or blue.
You ask for nothing in return
Except a caring friend
And everyday you teach - I learn
The wonders never end.
No wonder Egypt vaunted you
And held your value dear
Whilst men of superstitious minds
Regarded you with fear.
They said you were "familiars"
Of creatures of the night
That you beheld their revels
And assisted them in flight.
For men must fear the mystic things
They cannot understand
And lash out with their words and minds
Instead of gentle hand.
'Tis true that you are Tigers
Shrunk down to model size
And can hunt as well as Tigers
If the hunting's worth the prize.
With needle teeth and ripping claws
All sweetly wrapped in purrs and paws.
Yet, mankind also kills my friends
And millions do we slay
But count ourselves superior
In every single way.
Misjudged, abused and worshipped
What a history lies behind
These noble little creatures
Whom to men's faults are blind.
Creatures of devotion,
Independent, tame, yet free
If you were not amongst us
How diminished we would be.
Copyright JMO 2004.
15 comments:
what a great poem I find ur journal a great thing to share with my kids often they now ask for some of it from time to time when i say i read something nice in it. I will share this entry as a fellow Cat lover it is lovely to hear ur poem over and over to us.
In Respect and Friendship
Aaron
I love the picture and the poem, I also very much love cats as well :)........Jules xxx
http://journals.aol.co.uk/jules19642001/Itsmylife/
Lovely... snuggling with my own kitty on this frigid fall morning.
I love cats - the pics are brill and so is your poem thanks for sharing it :-)
Lovely pics, and lovely poem Jeannette :o)
Have only ever had the one cat, my big old ginger tom, who I still miss now from time to time though he's been gone, must be eight years now. We came across him by accident, a tiny little fuzzy kitten, not a week old, covered in fleas, and out in the world all by himself. Never did find out why that was. OK, am blabbing now, sorry!! Loved the poem.
Sara x
This is a beautiful poem, I am a cat lover and find cats to be the most comforting pets to have by far. Love the graphics. God Bless You My Friend
Great Poem! I love cats too and have always had 1 (or many,lol)
HUGS,
~Angel
Love the poem, lucky cats to have known you.
*** Coy ***
Beautiful pictures and really lovely poem. Cats are the most mysterious of animals, quite superior in their behaviour. Yes Jeannette, you have captured their essence well.....Sandra x
Cats...........I have had a few..........they make me sneeze LOL
I have too been called a creature of the night LOLOLOLOL
Love your journal as always
sorry that I have not commented as much as I would like to I have been trying to keep up!!
Just know that I am here LURKING hehe
Chelle
Just brilliant Jeannette, written with devotion in the heart, and I love the little cat image, he's so cute. xxR.
A fine feline tribute.
Super poem Jeannette - as a cat lover I echo every word of it, but I particulary loved these two lines -
With needle teeth and ripping claws
All sweetly wrapped in purrs and paws
Sums up my cats so completely - ah - I wish I could write like that!
Freda
What a beautiful entry, really enjoyed your poem. Thank you for sharing your gift, with us.
You know, I've never had one of my own, but I have looked after a friend's a couple of times. Interesting creatures! (I wonder what they think of us?) Great poem.
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