I have a little shadow that goes in and out with me
– Robert Louis Stevenson
My black cat shadows me
wherever I am,
or begs I accompany her
to favourite spots,
even outdoors.
Our enclosed back garden
feels like freedom –
as much freedom
as she, fearful, chooses.
Is it a cage
when you choose it,
freedom if you don't?
Written simultaneously for Quadrille# 17, Shadow at dVerse
and Midweek Motif: Two Souls: Caged and Free at Poets United
I think they think that it's their territory; a place they will defend. Some might go further afield and boss other cats in their own homes, if that happens to Selene then it's time to go running out with a broom to show the intruder she can't be bullied!
ReplyDeleteThere is one who has tried it a couple of times, and I have indeed chased him away. He hasn't been back for a long time now; hopefully has given up.
DeleteHmmm . . . what if you freely chose and have the freedom to choose? Back in the 1960s it seemed that feminists were against housewives and stay-at-home moms, but really we were against the expectation/cage. And the problem of Black feminists with white ones was that the latter didn't get that the choice to stay home would be a great freedom. You marvelous cat though! I think together you are the two souls, and there is gravity and joy. The enclosure may be the heart.
ReplyDeleteshe has found her own space of freedom, seems she's quite discriminating & knows what's good for her, a wise being :)
ReplyDeleteWe have a cat that will not go outside of the house (which makes her easy to take care of). I think she more or less freely chooses her cage. Although it seems constrictive it allows her to focus on more interesting things like naps and food and breathing.
ReplyDeleteOh! I LOVE that last stanza, especially, Rosemary. An important question. Sometimes the caged bird sings anyway...and sometimes an animal will stay in a cage with an open door.
ReplyDeleteWhat a valid question... do you know what you are missing... reminds me of Maya Angelou and "caged bird" a bit... which I can also see in De's comment.
ReplyDeleteI wrote around the same question..love the way you made it personal ..about your cat and garden.
ReplyDeleteIt takes a cat to explain these erudite options..me and Alice are scratching our heads but feel quite pleased we have our own little shadow system up and running.. Choice must be the key to feeling free I suppose.. When we do maybe there's no longer a feeling that we need to flee..hmm..
ReplyDeleteWe live in a semi-wild area near a river where there are coyotes, skunks, racoons, snakes and once in a while, bears. I shiver when I see cats out and about, knowing how vulnerable they are. Your cat is wise, I think, choosing the freedom that is hers. Yes, freedom to choose is freedom even if others don't think it is.
ReplyDeleteSometimes a cage when you dont choose it, freedom when you do....smiles. Have been in both situations.I think Selene is very happy with her situation.
ReplyDeleteRosemary, this is really profound. Sometimes we do choose to be 'caged' a bit, but consider that we have freedom. I can understand that. Sometimes it is more comfortable to have freedom in a limited way.
ReplyDeletePerhaps, it is best to leave the cage door open so one can come and go as they please.
ReplyDeleteThere are some who yearn to be free, and others who can have it for the taking, but choose not to. This is a puzzle, that I'm sure your cat has already solved.
ReplyDeleteI liked your thought on your garden.
ReplyDeleteThen it hit me, there are may gardens
I too adore that last stanza ❤️ freedom is something of a birth right, and yes it's we who choose it. Beautifully executed.
ReplyDeleteLots of love,
Sanaa
We feel free in our comfort zone though the feeling may be illusory
ReplyDeleteMaybe she feels free as long as she is in your company. Loneliness can feel cagey too.
ReplyDeleteFreedom is not only of feelings but more in the physical freedom to move about even though not totally free. It is not 100% but good enough!
ReplyDeleteHank
The only way one can comment on this is to know both sides of the wall.
ReplyDeleteThe enclosed back yard or the jungle running free outside. Experience both then make a choice...compromise or not....at least you know what you are not missing out on.....that is probably the most important aspect of experience and knowing is the real freedom:)