The Cat

Inspired by--well, isn't it obvious?

My current companion is my cat,
My mini-predator
Right now half dozing peacefully beside me.

She isn’t really mine,
For a cat belongs to no one.
My cat is the perfect hedonist
Unlike my dog who thinks it’s all about me.

Still, I marvel at her controlled power and grace,
The way she goes from sleeping
To ready to spring and pounce in an instant,
My tiger in a ten-pound package.
She captivates me by being sometimes aloof,
Sometimes affectionate when it suits her purpose.

What is behind those wily, intelligent,
Inscrutable green eyes?
I don’t think I truly want to know what she’d say.
I might find what she really thinks of me!

But we accept each other
And we have an understanding.
We are friends if I accept her friendship on her terms.
I feed and care for her
And in return she allows me to admire her.

Reviews

[jacob erin-cilberto]

i really like this and there is such truth...i am a cat person...have had a cat almost all my life.

and the most we can do is reach some understanding with them...because it never really is all about us, is it?

i like "she allows me to admire her"---yes.

[Gee]

And that is the cat, loyal only briefly to the hand that feeds it, no matter who. They have no master, mistress......and I'm allergic to their fur, so not a big fan .
A fan of this writing though.

[Jennie Baron]

It's great that this poem has a fan! I'm gratified at the reviews for a poem that's been up for some time already. I so appreciate your taking the time to read and review.

[Kathy Van Kurin]

Jennie Baron,
My husband and I had the enjoyment of caring for my college age granddaughter's gray and white, tuxedo- american longhair- cat for quite awhile. I am telling you; what a confusing, wonderful, stately and irritating, lovable, mysterious creature this kitty was." What is behind those wily, inscrutable green eyes? I don't think I'd want to know what she'd say.I might find out what she truly thinks of me."
Yes, I sure get the meaning behind your absolutely terrific poem!!
Bless you and loved this one for sure!
Kathy

[Jennie Baron]

I'm so happy you liked this. I'm honored that you said "terrific"! Thanks very much.

[Kathy Van Kurin]

Jennie Baron,
It's neat to see you happy about something like this. Sometimes finding the "terrific" in life is just plain fun! Thanks for your writing. You inspire me.
Kathy.

[Moonie]

Pets can unlock a special place in our hearts and settle in there, lodging cosily forever. I've never owned a cat-i am really a dog person I guess....Dogs are always these massive bundles of joy who pounce on you and try to lick you the moment you enter the house. They leave little to our imagination..cats are different, more subtle and mysterious. They show reserved grace and power. Your poem truly makes me see this little one in my mind's eye... you have described its inner qualities in a beautiful fashion, something that is seen rarely in all the pet poems.. :))

[Jennie Baron]

I love dogs too, but you are so right about the difference. I'm so happy you stopped by to read this little poem and that you enjoyed it.

[Mayank]

hahaha! Most complicated pets on the earth - Cat. I used to own two of them and there was a time I was loosing my patience because they didn't reacted like my dogs used too. I like the way arrangement is done here, we can relate this to many people around us.

[Jennie Baron]

I'm so glad you like it and took the time to read. Cats are fascinating indeed.

[Lyn Anderson]

Only cat people get the cat. Other people think, why the hell would you want to have something that so doesn't respect you in your home? Why? For that little present every once in awhile -- the genuine purr, the nudge when you're sad, the dead mouse on the rug ...

[Jennie Baron]

:) More typically the hairball coughed up on the rug!

[Lyn Anderson]

Well, I was referring to presents I appreciate.:)

[Samuel Dickens]

I believe you would've liked my oldest sister, two cat-lovers-in-arms you would've been. Certainly, you have a keen understanding of them. Sometimes in the early morning right after I make coffee, a friendly black and white feline meanders around the front door, and I go out and pet her/him a while.

[Jennie Baron]

I actually have two cats, so maybe I understanding something about their ways, anyhow. I'm glad you have a feline friend; they can certainly add a lot to our lives. Thanks for your kind review and taking the time to read.

[Beccy]

'And in return, she allows me to admire her.' The purrfect line, (excuse the pun,) to sum up the nature of cats. I was brought up with cats, Mum and Dad played host to three during my childhood, two Burmese, PJ, PJ junior (we kept one from a litter, couldn't bear to part with him) and lastly Tin Tin, a beautiful Tonkinese with eyes of light emerald that could see right through you. All came and went as they pleased.

Beccy.

[Jennie Baron]

Thank you, Beccy, for your lovely memories of your cats and especially for taking the time to read and comment on my poem!

[Benita-Staebell M - Kin..]

yes Cats are very much so like this but I never had any
issues with any cats I had one I had she loved water she was
a funny little thing LOL... she made the funny sounds they do at bugs at
the door if someone was at the door our Cat watch dog ha... ha she was a Character.


Every cat Is different but the animal seems to pick up there owners
personality depending on what they're like.


Mine where friendly with me they knew who was boss
but I gave them there freedom as long as they didn't do things
they shouldn't and I never hurt them I am quite a loving person
animals can sense that also they know if you're a threat or if you're
not they know if you will hurt them or if you mean well but you have
to have patience's with cats they have a mind of their own but I am the
same way I love the Black panthers one of my favorites been told my eyes
are a golden glow like there's one's with Hazel eyes do that
and mine tend to change colors my best Friend was Moriah a Beautiful Black
as midnight long haired male cat had him since a kitten he is no longer alive
but I loved him and when there was popcorn he came running his favorite food
he loved laying out side in the shade in the summer but he stayed close to home
he was happy in his home as he was very loved and he knew I cared for him.


But every cat and dog they all have different personalities but they
tend to pick up ours and are like us our habits too I guess LOL...
cats love to sleep at lot too but animals are quite funny and cats well
they are very Mysterious I have always been able to understand them quite well.


Thank you for this Interesting view on your lovely
friend Your cat.

Blessings. Benita / kindred poet

[Jennie Baron]

Aw, thanks for your stories about your cats and for the time to read and review!

[Benita-Staebell M - KindredPoet]

It was a pleasure to read I enjoyed the read. You're quite welcome. Blessings. Benita / Kindred poet

[The Rock And Roll Cowbo..]

Yes cats are truly marvelous creatures, if only we all had the spirit of a cat… the thing about not owning her, love that… just like people we have those w love and those who love us but we don't own one another even when we give our hearts to them.

[Jennie Baron]

Yes, a couple of readers have drawn the comparison with relationships with people. I didn't really think about that when I wrote this but it's apt.

[The Rock And Roll Cowboy(REBEL WITH A CAUSE)]

Well that is always good when people see other things in your poetry then you intended.