Poetry Friday

There isn't a lot to say about our cat. He's a cat. Sometimes he's nice to us, and other times? Not so much. But I grew up with cats, and I've always admired their catty spirit. And when you find one with a sweet disposition, there's no better pet.*

I once had a cat named Maggie (Atticus insists she was named after Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, but no. I don't name my beloved pets after Tennessee Williams characters. I was in too many Tennessee Williams plays in college to find that idea attractive.) Maggie was the sweetest, most affectionate cat I've ever known. Our current feline, Louie, has lived with us for nine years now and although he's mellowed considerably, he can still let out an admirable low growl when he wants you to buzz off. 

Ah, cats. They should never have been the subject of a Broadway musical, but they certainly do have their charms. 

Our cat, Louie, who is sometimes simply not in the mood for us.
(Photo credit: Ramona) 

Here's an excerpt from "The Cats" by Ann Iverson: 

To toss the needs of others asidewhen you simply aren't in the mood for affection.

To find yourselves so irresistible.

Read the whole poem here, at The Writer's Almanac. 

Louie, on a sweet day, with a napping Betsy. 

If you are in the mood for more about cats, The Poetry Foundation has a page full of poems about them. Garrison Keillor wrote one of my favorite cat poems, "In Memory of Our Cat, Ralph," which reminds me, in turn, of Picky Picky in our beloved Beezus and Ramona books. 

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The ever-wonderful Jama Rattigan has a Mother's Day edition of the Poetry Friday round-up at Jama's Alphabet Soup. Her post is a moving and lovely tribute to her own mother, who just recently passed away.

*With apologies to our dog, Sydney, who has her own charms: