Something skitters across the room – cats not far behind another bird has been plundered from the garland that winds its way up the stairs why are these cats so sure that the season’s decorations are strictly for their amusement? we have given up believing they will ever stay out of the tree perhaps our…
You are too gracious and elegant to ask I know that but simply put, we are dog people for forty years and more yes, yes there was the occasional unwilling kitten dragged home That night – you were the slimmest of shadows weaving among us in the mist neighbors banded together at nightfall laughing with…
How shall we celebrate? with eggnog. tree. (doubt there’ll be snow) family, friends. cookies. candles. stack lots of firewood. (oh no. cutter packed) Beth – gingerbread men duty. festival of nine lessons and carols. advent calendar. packed. (will anyone notice) order turkey (vegetarian too) somehow it falls into place. I’m so glad you Always put…
Silly old cat, upside down and legs sprouting everywhere like a piece of modern art I would title you “Cat Wrapped Around Fish Bowl” look at yourself – I can hardly stop laughing! can you see them any better from this position? at the window, your birds may scatter when you leap to say hello…
Washington Idaho Montana nothing in every direction. we play with the cats for diversion passing them between our two-car caravan Wyoming breakfast at the Harley and Cowboy truck stop complete with petting zoo buffalo Dakota plains undulate and stretch forever creeping into my consciousness I watch them for a long time – young Indian boys…
We lay there – I, draped along the sofa while she curls herself inside the bend of my legs They, by contrast, stand sentry seated side by side in the large chair near the fireplace poised. ready Over and over we replay this scene – Coco and me, Annie and my husband They inevitably glance…
Nights you’d prowl the house in stark contrast to days of nursing/moving/coaxing Did you slip away, certain your baby was asleep – forgetting she was an only child soon to miss the warmth of your body? or was it a need from deep inside to have some part of each day silently to yourself? It…
We rootless, searching whisper prayers of Christmas hopes silently, snow falls and there is Peace Firstborn, checking lights shares the magic of Christmas with his patient easy smile Bear proudly announces “I’ve bought all my presents!” while butterfly daughter, busy ‘making’ knows Santa really does exist Dad seeks refuge in the garage listens to laughter –…
Little people in furry clothes
When my first cat died I cried as if my heart would break mourning though they did not find her until the next day My small, thin body lay arms pulled close trying in vain to hold me together I can touch the pain as if it were yesterday We played and rode bikes sneaked…
Two weeks too many states bitter cold, bittersweet Asia and Blue Parakeet huddle, heading NW into winter We stretch legs wandering Wright Patterson Air Force Museum Herm Crab has retreated uncaring that a cold Pacific awaits Crossing into St. Louis driving rain obscures the exits settled in, we reminisce about dining near the old brick…
She was a nothing cat a stray but she stayed around and they grew up together when he went away he gave her to his little sister it didn’t matter because it was just a scuzzy, nothing kind of cat Margie took care of the cat and whenever she wrote she always assured him that…