We who with songs beguile your pilgrimage / And swear that Beauty lives though lilies die, / We Poets of the proud old lineage / Who sing to find your hearts, we know not why ... (James Elroy Flecker)

23.2.21

Rescue Cat: Online Photo

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!





18 comments:

  1. From one cat lady to another, I feel your poem, Rosemary!

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  2. I 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.

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  3. I had a cat once; it was delicious. And so is this poem. Well done.

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  4. Cuddles, companionship and sweet purrs; are they worth the investment? I have a dog 😆

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  5. I empathise with your situation. Lovely poem.

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  6. Very 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.

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  7. Perfectly composed Waltmarie .... glad your better sense won.

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  8. Ditto 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.
    Do 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.
    ..

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    Replies
    1. My son said he would worry about a cat being a trip hazard for me.
      Yes, 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.

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  9. Well penned, Rosemary. And now you can't imagine life without him, I'm sure!

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    Replies
    1. (a) It was only a few days ago. (b) I didn't follow through.

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  10. I love it! We just got a rescue cat. I was reluctant, but what a blessing she is.
    Well done!

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    Replies
    1. 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.

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  11. I 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.

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    Replies
    1. Stay tuned! I'm going to meet a possible new cat today.

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  12. Replies
    1. Shadow 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.

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  13. This works beautifully Rosemary! It is a thought I am
    so familiar with, as both my dogs age along with me.

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