navwin » Archives » Open Poetry #29 » The Cat
Open Poetry #29
Post A Reply Post New Topic The Cat Go to Previous / Newer Topic Back to Topic List Go to Next / Older Topic
devin_lupus
New Member
since 2003-09-22
Posts 9
Ohio, USA

0 posted 2003-09-22 10:43 PM



I can see her there
furled under the tree
tail flipping from time to time
mellow and relaxed, eyes
half closed in
an expression of contentment.

I have to stop to wonder
how long she's been there
and if she's ever going home.
She is thin, and looks old
beyond her years. Small,
I give her nine months, tops.
And that's what's so sad about it.
Just another child left to die.

I can't just walk away
so I click my tongue
and she comes running easily
with the attitude of one
used to affection and caress.
I reach my hand out to
stroke, and the fur is soft.
Not what I had expected.

It isn't faked, this feline
cry of hungry pain. Her paws
are on my thighs, begging me.
But I have nothing except
for a pouch of day-old tobacco,
and I know she doesn't want that.

I can't just shoo her on her away
but there is no place for her
among the brick buildings
and so many trees you feel you
might suffocate for the extra oxygen.
I wonder if this isn't how we
fight our oppression; white
people in a white town filled with
red brick. Keep everything out
that we think we don't want.
Yet she persists.

This tiny feline body,
malnurished and underfed
is stronger than I am
and than I may be
in a lifetime of petting.
There is one thing for her
out of everything that we have
forced into her small, microcosmic
feline tiger tabby world.

That one thing is survival.
How are we to survive without
one another? Can one exist
without the other, or will
we crash and burn too?
Will we starve
sitting beneath a tree,
eyes half closed, the
wind ruffling our fur?

Even here, opressed and forced
to starvation by the laws of man...
she is purring, a soft sound
gentle and token to her existence.
Somebody will listen.

Please come visit <a href="http://poetrycorner.tycoontown.com">The Poetry Corner!</a>

© Copyright 2003 Becki - All Rights Reserved
Toby
Junior Member
since 2003-09-21
Posts 12
Ohio, United States
1 posted 2003-09-22 10:51 PM


wow, very powerful, i enjoyed reading this. I look forward to reading more of your work.

The Poetry Corner
http://poetrycorner.tycoontown.com/index.php

Mistletoe Angel
Deputy Moderator 10 ToursDeputy Moderator 10 ToursDeputy Moderator 5 Tours
Member Empyrean
since 2000-12-17
Posts 32816
Portland, Oregon
2 posted 2003-09-22 10:51 PM




(tears fall down my cheeks) Oh Becki, it breaks my heart to see so many not caring for Mother Nature's dearest creatures, sweet friend, every one of God's creations are special and if I saw that cat, I would be happy to give it a nice warm place to make it feel loved and healthy! This is a heartbreaking debut, sweet friend, you have a most compassionate heart! Welcome to Passions, sweet Becki, may you be inspired by all of us here as we will all be inspired by your lovely poetry! I can't wait to read more of your wonderful poetry, sweet friend, we all love you so much! You have such a beautiful heart, sweet Becki, thank you for sharing!



May love and light always shine upon you!

Love,
Noah Eaton

I don't need no proof when it comes to God and truth
I can see the sun set and I perceive

***Live***

devin_lupus
New Member
since 2003-09-22
Posts 9
Ohio, USA
3 posted 2003-09-22 10:53 PM


Unfortunately we couldn't take her in as I live at University at the moment and we can't have her in the dorm rooms. BUT the good news is that one of the girls in my hall did see a 'missing' poster and took her home .

In all actuality the poem is meant to be allegorical regarding circumstances currently occuring throughout both the Cincinatti and Oxford areas, where I live.

QjQ
Member Elite
since 2003-04-18
Posts 3756
U.S.A.
4 posted 2003-09-22 10:59 PM


very beautiful and heart felt write,,,

nice to have you here at PiP,,

                                       

angelblueyes
Member Elite
since 2003-07-19
Posts 2148
Oklahoma
5 posted 2003-09-23 12:51 PM


A very heartfelt write.
Crystal

Krawdad
Member Elite
since 2001-01-03
Posts 2597

6 posted 2003-09-23 01:28 AM


Timely.
Just had a scrawny little kitten stop by here, nearly starved by the feel of it.
Took him to a place where I hope a home can be found.
Enjoyed your poetry and your cat sensitivity.
Hope you like it here.

Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354
Listening to every heart
7 posted 2003-09-23 06:35 AM


Welcome to Passions, Becki!  I have a great love for strays...and always appreciate anyone else who looks beyond the fur and into the animal's soul.  Please, check your E-mail for a Special Greeting!

Karilea - if I whisper, will you listen?

suthern
Deputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Seraphic
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723
Louisiana
8 posted 2003-09-23 04:14 PM


Excellent write... My stray has now run my life for me for over 14 years... she's fat and sassy and most definitely in charge. *S* So there's hope... for cats and towns... to find a place that's even better than what once was. *S*

Welcome to Passions! *S*

Post A Reply Post New Topic ⇧ top of page ⇧ Go to Previous / Newer Topic Back to Topic List Go to Next / Older Topic
All times are ET (US). All dates are in Year-Month-Day format.
navwin » Archives » Open Poetry #29 » The Cat

Passions in Poetry | pipTalk Home Page | Main Poetry Forums | 100 Best Poems

How to Join | Member's Area / Help | Private Library | Search | Contact Us | Login
Discussion | Tech Talk | Archives | Sanctuary