The Sphinx

Make no mistake; these mystical creatures know more about this world than they let on. Cross their path...cautiously.

The Sphinx

(Children of Bastet)

By

Carlos Lorenzo Estrada 

Beneath a shade of summer's day

It did not wander, move, or stray

Sat upon haunches; sentinel cruel

Eyeing the world it knows that it rules

In short haired coat of calico

Preditorial sentry; svelte and cold

Swishing of tail like cobra in dance

Mesmeric alluring imposing at glance 

Did Bastet give shape to thee

Sleek hunter creature born to be

Egyptian sands mercurial semblance 

Stoicly stands so quietly pensive 

Regal privileged self indulgent and vain

mundanely exists neath this heavenly plane

From raging roar to a purr of contentment 

Its demeanor lacking in relevant resentment 

For trust to this creature must be earned 

Or its admirer's gifts shall be spurned 

Omen to visions that await 

Guiding spirit in sauntering gait

Goddess feline; a treasure to eye

Watches intently as I warily go by

Mythic beast royal serene

Holder of secrets enchanter of dreams 

 

 

Author's Note

Who would have thought a quiet stroll in the neighborhood could be a harrowing experience when paths are crossed with a vigilant cat on the steps of a porch. They know more about us and the world than they let on. These holder of secrets. Or I can just be crazy and fooled by their endless stare.

Reviews

[light and ashes]

The Sphinx is probably my favorite creature from myth. I loved this write.

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

Thank you so much for your comment. I too like a bit of Egyptian mythology as well. It is a very fascinating history. Whenever I think of cats I think of the Sphinx. Such incredible mythological creatures.

[light and ashes]

Wesley had a bob/domestic cat mix. She often sat like the Sphinx statue. It was pretty cool. Wesley remarked on it alot.

[Fabian G. Franklin]

I remember in Greek mythology the Sphinx guarded Thebes with a riddle learned from the Muses. And held the city in siege by asking all who dared to pass. Those who failed were eaten. Oedipus is said to have solved the riddle at last causing the Sphinx to jump to her death from a high cliff. Cats are not so easily fooled or tamed. They maintain something of the wild in them. You wrote a great piece here. I enjoyed the read.

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

Thank you kindly Fabian. I had hoped to capture the mystical sense of the fascinating creatures. Their history filled in the many lore of art and stories. I feel a bit of a kinship with them. Their somewhat nomadic nature and solitary reliance. I feel more than any other animal they mirror us more as a species. Thank you again my friend for your comment.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Sometimes when my cat stares at me, I get a bit unnerved...even though she is quite sweet...I think Hank knows so much more than she lets on...and wishes she spoke English so that she could tell me.
j.

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

I believe you are right about that thought my friend. I feel cats are more like us than any other pet. They are distinctly unique in personality and exhibit avarice tendency to the things they feel are theirs. They love us but above all else they feel they own us. One must work hard to gain their trust, but once given they are forever loyal in love and friendship. There is something otherworldly about them as nature creatures. Especially in their eyes and how they look at us. It's as if they know a secret they wish they could tell us. Thank you J and I hope all is going well for you my friend.

[Stella Armour]

I can't relate to cats , they use humans to their own ends and i think their Egyptian ancestors were sort of unworldly.
Killing for sport and preening their sleek bodies they are so self possessed and arrogant ...... i am not enamoured ,. Having said all that i enjoyed your poem :)

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

Thank you Stella and I agree with you on the traits these creatures exhibit. I could only wonder how they see our world through their eyes. I feel intuitively that they see it as their own and we just live in it like pieces of living furniture that they control with each meow. I currently don't have pets but in the past had 3 cats during my life. Each one so individually different and unique in character. I often feel that they mirror us more closely than any other pet because of their selfishness and preening arrogance. And yes they are very possessive as well to the things they believe belong to them by right. They don't love us, they own us. And if they feel that in our affections we stray they will let us know of their displeasure. My cat Merlin, a short haired black cat, would often growl, hiss, and scratch my ex girlfriend if she ever got to close to me. I miss him. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts with me on this fun little write.

[John the Baptist]

As I read this one, I kept thinking how the description reminded me of my cats Francesca and Cosette. Then the author's note explained the mysterious resemblance. Yes, they will lie there in their regal silence and stillness, their eyes following you. It's all a facade behind which is a single question: "Is it lunchtime yet?"

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

I have only had cats as pets in my life and I have to agree with your assessment. They are royals and demand we cater to their every whim. And if we serve them well they may just throw a little affection our way. Not much but a crumb to keep us coming back to serve them. I once had two black cats named Merlin and Janus. My friends were often afraid of them because when it came to me they were very territorial. They would often hiss and strike at old girlfriends if they got too close to me. There is not a day that passes I don't miss those little monsters. Thank you kindly John for your thoughts on this poem.