For the Princes of the Alleys

Here is a link to my you tube channel where I read my poetry. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ucOOifTukWQ

Ferrel cats creep
under porches
to escape the  
rain and snow.
Some have half  
a tail
or a missing ear.
My cats watch
them from the
safety of
the warm house.
They chirp, and
stare.

I wonder if
these pitiful
orphans once had
a home and
knew love.
Did the owner
abandon them to
be unburdened by
empathy.

I wish I could
save those wild
cats,
those princes of
the alleys.

Sometimes, they wander
over to my porch.
I put a can of
tuna out.
They look at
me with cautious
green or golden eyes.
I tell them,
it’s going to be
Alright.
I know it’s a
lie.
Winter is coming.
But I feel  
better for a second.
And that’s all that
matters in this
playground of a
world.

Don’t you think?

Author's Note

My book, Seedy Town Blues Collected Poems is available at Amazon.com

My limited edition e-boo, Rise Up Collected Poems and Short Stories is available through Booksie.com

Reviews

[Chris Shaw]

Give them hope. What a soft heart you have Thomas. We feed creatures that come our way too. Hate to think of living things starving.

princes of the alleys - a fine description

Tuna is expensive over here. Your alley cats must love you :)

Chris

[Thomas W Case]

Thank you so much.

[W. Barrett Munn]

I admit I feed the feral cats and am always saddened by their skittishness, but realize for them it is a necessity in their daily battle to survive.

[Thomas W Case]

So very true, my friend. Thank you.

[Neville]

Excellent Thomas .. powerful stuff indeed .. Neville

[Thomas W Case]

Thank you, my friend.

[Vol]

Thomas,
I think all men have a Galahad gene so when confronted with suffering, we long to mount our steed and ride to the rescue. Domesticated animals, as well as mistreated friends and damsels in distress get us all excited and in those times when we made a positive difference, we declared the nobility of our souls.
Vol

[Thomas W Case]

Thank you, sir. I appreciate it.

[carl]

and this is what we do to feel better be they cats or humans - Your ending of ' Don't you think? " is really quite effective to cause one to consider and question their attitude and actions when confronted with the suffering of others. - well done, sir. -carl

[Thomas W Case]

Thank you, kind sir.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Playful but serious look at the state of different classes in society...and how those in the warm houses scoff at those who are outside in the cold, clawing their way through life with only thin fur as a jacket. Winter is coming, yes. And these poor cats know it won't be alright.
Oh this metaphor is the cat's meow.
j.

[Thomas W Case]

Lol. Thank you, my friend.

[John the Baptist]

Some believe feral cats should be euthanized to spare them the horrors of street life. It's a hard choice either way.

[Thomas W Case]

Thank you, my friend.

[red93]

Fabulous Thomas. We feed the wild birds here in the Shared House. Sometimes there is a queue of pigeons on the patio. Exceptional ✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️

[Thomas W Case]

Thank you. Much appreciated.