Many fine cat poems focus on the easily-discernable. The ways of cats. Their postures and attitudes. But cats have a long history that can be plumbed and poeticized—from Egypt to China, Greece to Japan.
Poetry Prompt
Do a little research on the history of cats and human culture. Take us beyond the window seat (though that’s a fine place for a cat and a poem), and treat us to a cat poem with some details we wouldn’t have guessed.
Thanks to our participants in last week’s poetry prompt. Here’s a recent cat poem we enjoyed from Richard…
This Is Just To Purr
—after W.C. Williams
I have toppled
the dish
that was in
the kitchen
and what
I am telling you
clearly
more salmon
Don’t give me
Nine Lives anything
so dry
and so bland
Photo by Eye of Einstein, Creative Commons, via Flickr.
______
Sometimes we feature your poems in Every Day Poems, with your permission of course. Thanks for writing with us!
Browse poets and poems
Browse more funny poems
Browse more cat poems
- Poetry Club Tea Date ✨ Kissed - January 21, 2021
- The Poetry Club Tea Date ✨ First Fall - December 10, 2020
- The Poetry Club Tea Date ✨ Braiding His Hair - October 22, 2020
Maureen Doallas says
Tasty treat, Richard.
Richard Maxson says
Thanks, Maureen
Richard Maxson says
Thanks for posting my poem.
Richard Maxson says
This one may be a little too didactic, but here goes.
********
Sakhmet
These are my markings,
a map of cul de’ sacs
that leave you stranded
in a wild evening, listening
for what you imagine of me.
Don’t look in my face expecting
the fashioned gaze of a doll;
cat’s eyes are narrow gates
to inscrutable yesterdays;
I see you through the blue ice—
innate and tempered—
that I survived, my lives
of nine millennia, relics
in palatable softness with claws,
Re’s daughter, the fetching queen,
guardian of the sun. Call Bes
if you want a mouse catcher;
you can call me…interesting.