I write this poem in honor of the poem Data wrote for his cat

yes, Data from Star Trek

For he had a normal cat, Spot.

I have a gremlin of a cat, Puff.

Both named after their most distinguishing characteristics.

Spot had spots.

Puff is a puff

While Spot is calm and snuggles and enjoys pets.

Puff is neurotic and bites and how dare you try to touch her puff-ness!

Spot, like Data, is curious, no truly specific question to  be answered but curious nonetheless.

Puff is content living her whole life in her house, yes you heard me, her house.

She owns the window seals,

the bed,

the chairs,

the tables,

the other bed,

the center of the rug and also the right corners,

the food bowl,

and both water bowls.

At least she shares the bed with me...

Spot is the ideal.

The perfect cat.

Doesn't bite.

Doesn't wake me up at 4 am screaming.

Doesn't try to steal my food.

Doesn't sneeze in my mouth while im falling asleep.

I mean the list goes on and on...

But yet I, stupidly, wouldn't trade my stupid lump of a puff for anything.

Damn cat.

Reviews

[barleygirl]

I've read & written a ton of poems about pets & this is high on originality. It's clever of you to begin with the comparison of the 2 cats as a way to show just how over the top Puff is. Working with contrasts is a compelling way to show and emphasize. It almost feels as if you are in cahoots with Puff, possibly encouraging these unruly behaviors, & between the lines we read that YOU are the ringleader of sass & defiance here, while using your cat as your fall guy (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Summer Emswiler]

You're such an excellent reviewer! Always some analysis that I love. Thanks for reading

[barleygirl]

Thank you for the kudos. It's something I enjoy doing *smile*

[Vertigo Cat1111]

This is such a great, intricate and detailed piece that tells us so much without making it too descriptive! By the cat's name, we get the feel of who they are, but your words add so much more and prove to anyone doubting it, cats and animals do have personalities. I love cats, too and they can be so silly and entertaining at times!

[Summer Emswiler]

Thank you! She got her name because when I first got her she was shaved and her head was just this little 'puff' and I originally gave her another name, but Puff just stuck. It was too fitting. And cats have such personalities! not saying dogs don't but I have had many cats in my lifetime and they were all drastically different.
Thanks for reading

[Einstein Noodle]

The Cafe' says your a writer to watch :) so i stopped to check out your stuff.
ahahaha damn cats indeed .. and how we love our pets .. i am a dog person myself .. but my sister and a "Puff" .. oh my .. she was Queen above all and how dare one approach without having permission .. she had 7 toes on each front paw and 6 on each back .. had 49 kittens during her life and everyone was Polydactic (i think that's the word. sure enjoyed you write .. nice to meet you . i'm
E.

[Julie McCarthy (juliesp..]

Oooh love this
I used to have cats as a child I had two
One was called minty black and white markings on his paws and a few other places and weenie was a tortoiseshell colour
I was allergic but mum used to dose w
Me with poloramime prob too many lol but I only ever had two in my life loved them
So lovely to read your poem I really loved it thanks 🙏

[Summer Emswiler]

Thank you! And just so you know there are a bunch of hypo-allergenic cats out there :)

[Julie McCarthy (juliespenhere)]

Ok 👌 really didn’t know

[Julie McCarthy (juliespenhere)]

I left the club I mistakenly joined

[mattavelli]

Hello, Summer! :)
Thanks for sharing your cat with us. Puff seems like fun. I had a cat, growing up. Her name was Katie. We were the same age. As a boy, id chase her through the yard with water guns. As a teenager, id often wake up with her sleeping above my head, having taken my pillow. She lived 21 years.
May the force be with you.

[Summer Emswiler]

in my house we say "live long and prosper" lol
She's a hoot, she might be a pain in my butt but she makes me laugh and keeps me happy, and she also steals my pillow from me lol.