And now for something completely different. Do you like cats?

Question

Thomas Gray 1716-1771

On a Favourite Cat/Drowned in a Tub of Goldfishes"

- (read it some time. It's not as funny as the title)

The first verse is his......the remainder of verses are mine.

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'Twas on a lofty vase's side,

Where China's gayest art had dyed

The azure flowers that blow;

Demurest of the tabby kind,

The pensive Selima reclined,

Gazed on the lake below.

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Patience personified she lay

An ornament of living clay,

Gold eyes, riveted, still.

Mesmerised by reflected light

From darting, whirlpool fishes bright

She waited for the kill.

'Twas just as though transfixed that she,

(Coiled spring of gloating ebony)

Clung to her hiding place.

The chosen victims paid no heed

Unaware of impending deed

Delighting in their chase.

Selima sprang. Alas too late,

She found that this would be her fate

The lake closed o'er her head.

Her struggles were to no avail

Upon her death I draw a veil

Answer 1

Astonishing take on that old favorite!  Brilliantly written. I feel Grays stone quivering in joy. this wil be with me forever.

Answer 2

Purring on this.  A cat fancier afterall!

Answer 3

Enjoyed your descriptive writing. Poor cat.

Answer 4

It is always difficult to deal with the death of a pet (their lives are so much shorter--hopefully we appreciate them more when they are here). I'm sorry.

Here's a poem I wrote about a year ago for my Tortie (since I do like cats):

Fiona

Stalker, delicate roof shadow,

hidden tuft of fur, orange and black.

Slinking so that none may follow,

pouncing quickly, a swift attack.

Gold eyes shine like little jewels

between slits in the backyard fence.

Swatting birds, those feathery fools

believing your benign pretense.

Ledge leaper, warm sunshine sleeper,

crying when meals are always late.

Lizard eater, tall-grass creeper,

curled on a pillow so sedate.

Again I'm sorry for the loss of your cat.

Answer 5

aw poor cat. lol. I love cats. Great Poem!

Answer 6

Yes, I know the poem.  He could certainly have written this one.

Answer 7

This is good! Kudos.