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.
______
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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.