Thursday, August 13, 2026

Poetry Friday: "Trying to Write a Dog Poem in a House with Two Cats" by Billy Collins

Four years ago this week, we adopted Maisy from the animal shelter. 

She was basically a pre-schooler: 

Tiny Maisy

Now, of course, she has matured and become a responsible adult: 

The work is never done


In honor of four years with this near-perfect tabby (and with a tip of the hat to her admirable work ethic), I'm dedicating this week's Poetry Friday post to her. 

To Maisy! {clink!} 
To Billy Collins! {clink!} 
To cat poetry! {clink, clink!} 


Trying to Write a Dog Poem in a House with Two Cats
by Billy Collins

From a couch
littered with throw pillows

they are staring at me
and my open notebook,

and even though their tails
are not twitching

and their secret inboard
motors are not audible,

I know they are assuming
in unison

that I am writing
yet another dog poem
....
(Read the rest here, at Poets.org.) 

~~~~~~~~~~

The Poetry Friday round-up this week is being hosted by marvelous Molly at Nix the comfort zone

8 comments:

LInda M. said...

Ha! Oh, Billy Collins...you clown, you. You totally deserve the cat's assumptions of what you are doing. What a great poem! It gave me a giggle.

Karen Edmisten said...

Linda, it made me laugh too. And I was surprised I hadn't seen it before!

Tricia Stohr-Hunt said...

Marvelous poem! Billy Collins is a gem. Thank you for sharing.

Carol Labuzzetta said...

Love Billy Collins. We have one cat and one dog in our house - and yes, there is judgment! Thanks for sharing!

Karen Edmisten said...

Tricia, yes, he always shines!

Karen Edmisten said...

Carol, for sure. That judgment always makes me laugh. :)

Margaret Simon said...

What a great poem to share and celebrate your cat’s 4 years!

Karen Edmisten said...

Margaret, yes, Billy Collins has a poem for every occasion, lol!