I ... entered the poem of life, whose purpose is ... simply to witness the beauties of the world, to discover the many forms that love can take. (Barabara Blackman in 'Glass After Glass')

These poems are works in progress and may be updated without notice. Nevertheless copyright applies to all writings here and all photos (which are either my own or used with permission). Thank you for your comments. I read and appreciate them all, and reply here to specific points that seem to need it — or as I have the leisure. Otherwise I reciprocate by reading and commenting on your blog posts as much as possible.

9 March 2016

Weird, How

Weird
how my slender black cat
lifts her tail straight up
and it shivers

like a leaf ruffled by wind,
only quick – a tremor.

Is it fear or excitement?
Does she seek to communicate
or is it involuntary:
some sharp, sudden frisson of longing?
















Written for Poets United's Midweek Motif: Weird (in the 44-word form called quadrille).

 Photo © Rosemary Nissen-Wade 2016. This photo is mine and should not be copied or used in any way without permission. 
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20 comments:

  1. Jae Rose10 March 2016 at 00:41

    Now you've made me stop and think (and what a beautiful cat) - they must be saying something..as every living thing needs to..the longing made me think of ancient cats..and how some things can't be conditioned out of existence..

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  2. Magaly Guerrero10 March 2016 at 01:08

    Cats are the queens of weird behavior, aren't they?

    Love your description of the cat's weird. I can see it...

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  3. Sanaa Rizvi10 March 2016 at 01:18

    This is lovely- I agree, cats can be somewhat peculiar at times but god they are so sweet :D

    Lots of love,
    Sanaa

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  4. Magical Mystical Teacher10 March 2016 at 03:15

    I'm delighted to see "frisson" in your poem. It is such a delicious word. Weirdly enough, it makes me shiver! (Ha!)

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  5. Sherry Blue Sky10 March 2016 at 03:35

    I suspect cats communicate a lot through their tails and whiskers....and purrs. She is a lovely girl. Very regal.

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  6. Purba chakraborty10 March 2016 at 05:42

    Lovely poem. It made me smile :)
    I admire your observation skills.

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  7. Anonymous10 March 2016 at 07:30

    Cats are weird... or at least are sensitive to the weird.

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  8. Hannah10 March 2016 at 07:35

    I love watching cats and animals in general to learn what they're thinking. Great poem, Rosemary!

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  9. Myrna R.10 March 2016 at 09:06

    An animals communication is wonderful to contemplate, even if we don't fully understand. I like this poem as much as I like your beautiful cat.

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  10. Susan10 March 2016 at 09:34

    I can identify, LOL. You have captured a splendid moment!

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  11. Linda Stevenson10 March 2016 at 10:25

    Love "frisson of longing"

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  12. Amy Barlow Liberatore/Sharp Little Pencil10 March 2016 at 10:42

    Wow! We are getting ready to adopt another cat, so this was great timing. The "frisson of longing" is simply delicious! Beautiful photograph in words, Rosemary. Amy

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  13. Old Egg10 March 2016 at 11:06

    Cats live in their own world and are at times unfathomable, we think we own them but they merely make use of us. They sleep in our laps then if we make one false move the claws dig in. A great poem Rosemary.

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  14. Luk Lei10 March 2016 at 13:55

    My last cat as a child, that was usually a sign I was about to be pounced. Beautiul creatures.

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  15. purplepeninportland.com10 March 2016 at 15:28

    Beautiful cat. I've never had one that didn't have an odd habit or two. Love the poem.

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  16. rallentanda11 March 2016 at 01:16

    When they do that it means...I'm not sure how to explain it in human language...anyway it is a good thing :)

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  17. Mary11 March 2016 at 02:15

    Love your cat photo & your poem reflecting on it. Methinks all cats have their 'weirdnesses' as do humans. Smiles.

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  18. Unknown11 March 2016 at 02:18

    Cats are amazing creatures and their tails with so many muscles - so much to smile about.

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  19. Gillena Cox11 March 2016 at 03:46

    Nice one Rosemary

    Much love...

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  20. vanderloost11 March 2016 at 19:51

    Loved it. Such perceptive observations.

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