Catty

( my feline was not responsible )

i love cats
I have always loved cats
nuzzling into the palm of my hand
with their affection seeking noses
damp and warm
their soft fur waiting
to be stroked
while they purr quietly in
satisfied contentment

yes I’ve always loved cats
until they become predatory
and stalk my avian friends
visiting their favourite
garden haunts

yesterday for a few minutes
that love turned to intense
dislike
i won’t use the word hate
because I’m not a hater

the blackbird was barely alive
when I found it downed
on the first cut of the season
a soft green bed for
its little head turned sky high

it blinked and before i knew it
i watched it die
I watched it die and I can’t forget
that look in its fragile departing eye
it stirred where it hurts
that little bird nudged
my tear ducts and how I cried

Reviews

[Desert Knave]

This one cuts deep. I love my feral cats, but once in awhile there is one that really is good at hunting, and the little birds are the victims. Anyhow, enjoyable read. ~Jim

[Chris Shaw]

It’s a dilemma Jim. We love our cats and the birds too. Thank you for stopping by. All the best.

Chris

[Neville]

it is no great secret that I am much more of a dog kind of geezer .. I have often and long asked myself why that is so .. and I think you have maybe just provided the answer .. they rarely go straight in for the kill but rather play with their quarry seemingly for fun (I know that might not be the case in reality but that's what it looks like if you should stumble across the scene I am referring to) .. This is not for the fainthearted or squeamish but purrfectly composed & smacks of reality .. Neville 💜

[Chris Shaw]

Both cats and dogs are capable of immense violence. A friend saw a dog rip a little cat to pieces, and cats are always looking for the opportunity to pounce. They show no mercy. I know it’s in their nature, they can’t help it. And some humans too have that terrifying streak in them. I abhor all violence. Sends cold shivers up and down my spine. I think I met a violent death in a previous life. Thank you for your thoughts Neville. Happy sunny Tuesday 💜

[red93]

Fabulous Work Chris, you are a kind dear Soul, and Nature can be truly shocking at times. Exceptional ✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Tony, yes it can certainly stir the emotions. I prefer it when it is less cruel. Have a great Sunday .

Chris

[Davidgeo]

Domestic cats are by far the most devastating invasive species in westernized countries. By a large margin, they devastate local ecosystems. They are too efficient at hunting and they don't hunt purely for food, they do it for sport. Small animals and birds stand no chance against even an out of shape housecat (as long as they are not declawed). Ruthless animals... and ten percent of their diet is brains. You can see how their dental pattern is perfect for cracking open the skulls of rodents and extracting their brain matter. Seriously, they love mouse, rat, squirrel and chipmunk brains. Also bone marrow. When I make my own cat food to spec i have to include brains and fresh bone marrow otherwise the cat develops anemia and liver problems. I guess, what I'm trying to say is, I like your poem!! And don't declaw your cats if you let them outside.

[Chris Shaw]

They certainly are efficient hunters. So you make your own cat food? I think I’ll stick to the supermarket pouches:) Less messy. Thanks for stopping by. Our cat is an indoor cat, she’s spiteful, but not a killer (yet). Happy Sunday.

Chris

[Julie McCarthy (juliesp..]

thanks so much
in Australia most cats are told to be inside 24/7 because of this
we rarely see a cat outside these days and I used to think it was cruel but realise that is why the sort of understood cat owner rule came in.
Thanks Chris

[Chris Shaw]

Hi Julie, cats over here can still roam, but the bird life suffers. Our cat is an indoors cat, mainly because of the dangers of cars, but at least she doesn’t kill the birdies. I get really upset at the loss. The blackbirds sing for me. Thank you for stopping by. Have a lovely weekend Julie.

Chris

[Rosie C]

This is catchy. It has an unexpected twist in the end.

Cats are brutal. I’m a dog person. I have three small dogs at home.

Three different terriers. All hunting breeds.

At one time, my Patterdale terrier brought in a deceased rat into my kitchen and I went berserk.
It was a big, furry one and in a shocking state.

I was tough and I removed it appropriately.

The smell of rotting flesh made me gag though. x

[Chris Shaw]

Hello Rosie, you are right cats can be brutal. We have a dog too. They have an understanding. The cat dominates. The poor dog keeps out of her way. That rat and the rotting flesh. Yuk. You are braver than me:) Thank you for stopping by. Have a great weekend. I bet those terriers keep you busy:)

Chris

[Rosie C]

They do keep me busy.

I love them. Beautiful fur babies. 🐶 x

[John the Baptist]

Well, nature isn't overly sentimental, to say the least. As I write, I am watching my cat Cosette indulging in one of her many naps. She is a nervous creature, frightened by all manner of noises and unfamiliar things. She also can become affectionate when she wants to. On the other hand, if a mouse somehow got in here, she would not rest until she had torn the intruder to pieces. It's just what they do.

[Chris Shaw]

That’s what’s fascinating, they can go from docile to killer in seconds. Quite something. Thanks for stopping by John.

Chris

[Lorry]

Its in their nature Chris. I saw a programme about houseboats who have never been out in the wilds of the streets, yet they can instantly tell something is the prey with their actions whenever something that isnt another cat comes by. I think its just a survival present that didn't get erased during domestication.
Plus the fact that they bring you presents of half dead animals that look completely dead until the cat looks away and it makes a dash for freedom, at the same time probably making you wish it was totally dead and not a living toy for your pet.
There is nothing sadder than a bird in distress to make you feel hopeless Chris. These things are sent to test us.

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks Lorry. Ah the presents left mangled on the doorstep. I know all about that. Fledglings, cold in their half made vests. Stolen from their nests. They certainly have a killer instinct our feline friends don’t they. Have yerself a great weekend. Clicks go forward, don’t forget.

Chris

[Lorry]

I meant to say house cats, not houseboats btw. 😃

[Chris Shaw]

Yep, I thought so and I meant clocks not clicks 🤣 Typos eh?

[Lorry]

I don't call them typos. Because im on my phone i call them predunctive toast errors.... I mean predictive text errors! 😃

[Claude]

This poem beautifully contrasts love and grief. It starts with warm, intimate images of cats, then abruptly shifts to heartbreak over a dying bird. The simple, natural language and free-flowing structure make the emotions feel raw and authentic. The ending lingers, quietly powerful, leaving a sense of sorrow and tenderness.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Claude for leaving me such an encouraging review. Your visit is very much welcome and appreciated.

Chris

[FlatDaddy]

My earliest memory: kneeling at the curb outside our house to comfort my puppy who had wandered into the street and been struck by a car. It died in my arms. I was roughly four, I think. As an adult, I had a miniature Dachshund I loved for 13 years. His death was after suffering from various age related health issues, and it struck me hard. A few years ago, my wife and daughter found a rescued kitten with only one eye and brought her home. It was constantly terrified, especially around males; I suspected good reasons. Eventually, she warmed toward me and now sleeps mostly at my side. I have become her primary feeder, and she reports to me quite promptly mere minutes before the appointed times, which I find puzzling. I've checked, but can find no tiny watch on any of her wrists nor dangling from her neck, so I remain baffled by this uncanny ability of hers.

This is a long way for me to say that we get back what we give, but cannot know the inner workings of our animal friends, no more than those of our neighbors or the mailman. Almost exclusively, we judge all by what they give us and less by what they are. And mostly, they are us, just in different skins. This isn't much of a review of your work, Chris, but I think you know I enjoy and respect your writing; your skill is apparent to all, as is your love of all creatures, whether they crawl, swim or fly -- even some who walk, though they less deserve it. Nice write, Chris.
FD

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you for your share FD. Your experiences with animals I found touching to read. You wrote me a long review. So true, we do not know the inner workings of animals or people we know, let alone strangers. I try my best with most people, there are one or two exceptions. Thank you for your nice comments about my work. I really appreciate that. My poetry is important to me. It helps me deal with the crap in life. I guess it’s therapeutic. I write nearly every day, but don’t post it all. I’m pleased you enjoyed the poem you read today. Hope your day is happy.

Chris