I have come for the hearth, you see
Every hearth has a cat space, a brick that gives
From the branch, from the fence, from the empty
Harbor where all the eyes of the house gather
Waiting for me.
And I have come for their ears with a tale
That slinks through outer spaces and is unafraid
To claim its path through these peopled rooms,
Lurking by the edge of floor and wall and web,
Waiting for fate.
You never come to clean the dusty selvage
Where lives flit swift through the sunlight
And slow by the vents, where the shadows
You imagine as fuzz pull their legs tight
And wait for them.
You leave the leavings for me.
Sharing this week with The Sunday Muse and Poets United.
-- Chrissa
I imagine the cat as a court bard or jester performing from the hearth.
ReplyDeleteYou conjure some real lyricism here, Chrissa with lines like:
ReplyDelete"Where lives flit swift through the sunlight
And slow by the vents, where the shadows
You imagine..." Excellent!
There is such strong and beautifully haunting imagery in this one, Chrissa!❤️ I especially like; "To claim its path through these peopled rooms, lurking by the edge of floor and wall and web, waiting for fate."
ReplyDeleteThis is a charmer of a piece. I'm more of a dog person, but love this cat's eye point of view. It's got such a cool fairy tale like tone.
ReplyDeleteCat always leave the leavings behind. Mysterious creatures they are.
ReplyDeleteI grew up with dogs and i know nothing if cats except for strays that now and again slink through my yard. Your bard is amazing in that he knows for certain there are places for him in some hearts and heaths
ReplyDeleteThanks for dropping by my sumie Sunday today Chrissa
Much❤🕊❤lovd
This has a cool, autumnal feeling, to me. A season is changing, some things being left behind while others arrive. In any event, I always listen when cats tell tales.
ReplyDeleteI really love the final lines, the idea the even remains won't go to waste... are even wanted.
ReplyDelete"I have come for the hearth" is so perfect - cats love a warm hearth. I love the "peopled rooms" and the lives flitting swift through the sunlight. Wonderful!
ReplyDeleteLove the cat voice in this and the lovely imagery throughout! Magical as cats truly are.
ReplyDeleteI love the authentic cat-voice too – and the glare of the one in the pic, subjected to the indignity and discomfort of that collar.
ReplyDeleteYou seem so very familiar with cats, their actions, and the thoughts behind them. A wonderful piece.
ReplyDeleteYour poem is beautifully composed. Meow .....
ReplyDeletethe wisdom of a cat... never apologizing, maybe manipulating, and more honest than we would like!
ReplyDeleteYou went in an intriguing direction with this … and the ride for readers was very cool … and I-dare-say, quite unique. Cats do have their little cat personalities and you've captured that cleverly … charmingly … in this piece.
ReplyDeleteWonderful writing with mystical imagery. Love it, Chrissa.
ReplyDeleteThis sounded so good reading it out loud Chrissa, it certainly is a baeutiful poem with delightful imagery.
ReplyDeleteThis is a medieval cat with a turn of phrase to match:)
ReplyDeleteA regal cat who chooses where to visit and when to leave. I agree that this does have a medieval feel to it. Hence the royal reflection. :)
ReplyDeleteI, too love your cat voice and how far you went! Your poem is so, fun to read~
ReplyDeleteHad me from the opening, with all the haughtiness of a proper cat.
ReplyDelete