The Old Tom and I

There's a dead sparrow on the back deck
I suspect the cat
has been honing his survival skills
in preparation for the inevitable
day we agree to a mutual departing.

We're not that close, the old Tom

and I, both on loan
you could say, until something
better comes our way.

Tonight, too tired to venture out,
we've both stretched ourselves in for the night--
I won the couch, he's opted for
the bow backed recliner--
agreed to “Blue Cat Blues”--

I think he's partial to Jerry.

Ken e Bujold

©2022

Reviews

[Stuart Munro]

Ken , as you know I’m no expert lol, but this is a take you there poem
I remember my cat now past , with its catch , on the back deck , not a pretty sight
Yes a mutual departing , for me as well , your both on loan , I like that line
I like the choice of seats , the couch and the bow backed recliner ,
Great poem ,

[Ken e Bujold]

thanks Stuart. glad you enjoyed

[Stuart Munro]

Thanks Ken

[John the Baptist]

Is it possible someone else on this site is old enough to remember Tom and Jerry? I hope Jerry has taken the warning seriously.

[Ken e Bujold]

well strictly speaking John we can only suspect Old Tom. as the poem says the narrator thinks..could be just our inherited beliefts that cats eat birds and mice
Ken e

[Richard🖌]

Hi, Ken 🌾

Catchy title, smooth, easy syntactic flow with good linebreaks, grammar, and fun, creative imagery.
Indeed, a charming piece of well-rendered Prose work to inspire a knowing, sentimental smile on lips and in the hearts of cat lovers everywhere.
Well, at least Old Tom's not a freeloader, with his upturned paw waiting for a handout … how thoughtful of him to show his appreciation by paying his way with a tasty morsel in exchange for a safe 'n comfy indoor retreat.
“Blue Cat Blues” … ahhh, the ways of the world and the wants of a woman. LOL!

True, alas, they own us only for a short time before crossing that rainbow bridge.
I very much enjoyed your style and smile-worthy tale! ⁓ Richard🖌

[Ken e Bujold]

thank you Richard for the glowing review. Much appreciated. While we scribblers scribble, it's what we are born to do, it's always nice to know that we are being read, and even more so that our readers take the time to carefully consider the scribbles
Ken e

[W. Barrett Munn]

Such a wonderful description of a slice of time. I had a cat like that once when I was a child; the cat decided the timing of departure.
Winston

[Ken e Bujold]

Thanks Winston. This one is one of those oddities we all write from time to time. No idea where it came from. I don't particularly like cats, I don't have a back deck, moved to a condo yrs ago, because I hate yard work. The line Old Tom and I been floating around for a spell without a home, which it has now found here at last. The opening line just popped into my head, and the rest flowed easily enough

[jacob erin-cilberto]

I like the reference to Tom and Jerry...the names Simon and Garfunkel used before they became S&G.
When two just coexist until something better comes along.
reminds me of my divorces...waiting for the right moment to sever ties altogether.
But can each or both survive on his or her own?
that is the question...

[Ken e Bujold]

one of the most pregnant questions man has ever pondered. :)