Rescue Cat: Online Photo
I can’t have another cat, I say to myself with resolve.
I want
to be responsible. I’m too old and unwell to care for
this cat:
he deserves better, this calm-faced, strokably sleek
black cat
gazing from the screen as if directly at me, imploring,
gold-eyed …
Just think of the expense! I tell myself. Reluctantly,
I do.
This is written for Weekly Scribblings #58: Two Into One Will Go, at Poets and Storytellers United. The form is a Waltmarie, created by Candace Kubinec: 10 lines, the even lines of two syllables, the others whatever you like. The even lines form a poem within a poem, telling their own story. It's harder than you might think!
From one cat lady to another, I feel your poem, Rosemary!
ReplyDeleteI think you really did the form justice, Rosemary! I love how the structure really reinforces the emotion of the piece. It's just so perfectly well suited to highlight that emotional back and forth.
ReplyDeleteI had a cat once; it was delicious. And so is this poem. Well done.
ReplyDeleteCuddles, companionship and sweet purrs; are they worth the investment? I have a dog 😆
ReplyDeleteI empathise with your situation. Lovely poem.
ReplyDeleteVery nice! I tell myself that about a dog, being I had my all-time favorite euthanized last week. I have three cats, Benny looks a lot like Shadow.
ReplyDeletePerfectly composed Waltmarie .... glad your better sense won.
ReplyDeleteDitto here, Rosemary. We are afraid we might trip on it, even sometime cats run under you feet. It was a perfect example for us to follow, it was a fun exercise.
ReplyDeleteDo you know Waltmarie?
Oh yes, I also had a black cat picture but decided not to use him. He was my BIL's sitting on top of their bookcase. Saved now for another time.
..
My son said he would worry about a cat being a trip hazard for me.
DeleteYes, I am acquainted online with Walt Wojtanic and Marie Elena Good, whom this form is named after. They run a prompt site called Poetic Bloomings, and have had others in the past. Also Walt was once one of my collaborators in a chapbook.
Well penned, Rosemary. And now you can't imagine life without him, I'm sure!
ReplyDelete(a) It was only a few days ago. (b) I didn't follow through.
DeleteI love it! We just got a rescue cat. I was reluctant, but what a blessing she is.
ReplyDeleteWell done!
Thank you; I'm glad you like what I did with your form. I didn't follow through with Shadow, but am contemplating another possibility.
DeleteI love this form and you played it well! My mother is 91 and my father passed away a year ago. They have always had animals, but they pondered getting a dog so late in life. They did get a puppy, a corgy a few years ago - and thank God my mother has this dog - it keeps her company especially during this covid time. The concern was the dog will outlive my mom most likely and she felt guilty. But the dog will have a guaranteed home with one of us - so it has worked out well. My mom is pretty fit for her age, and she does have my sisters near her. I hope you can find a companion that works out - especially if you love them so. But you know your own health and situation best.
ReplyDeleteStay tuned! I'm going to meet a possible new cat today.
DeleteLovely poem the cat is lucky.
ReplyDeleteShadow is in foster-care while he waits, and may well have attracted many expressions of interest after his photo was published, but he is not for me.
DeleteThis works beautifully Rosemary! It is a thought I am
ReplyDeleteso familiar with, as both my dogs age along with me.