It’s really not complicated
(though she is complex); it’s gradual.
Over a year before she began to purr;
closer to two until she learned,
tentatively, to miaow.
This evening she gave my finger
a tiny lick. Still I know – because
she has taught me so – I must never
presume nor encroach. She makes all
the running, sets the pace. It’s simple.
Written for Micro Poetry ~ Uncomplicated Things
at 'imaginary garden with real toads' (10 lines)
Yes. For me, too, the simplicity is acknowledging the gradual. Love.
ReplyDeleteIt's been a great lesson for me in unconditional love. I have to accept her as she is, not as I wish her to become.
DeleteLove this, Rosemary. No you certainly can't make a cat love you, no more than one can make a person love you. But if you work at it and have love for them they MAY love you. Nature of beast and beauty, there needs to be the "spark" somewhere to start the fire.
ReplyDeleteBTW, congrstulations, you are the first to realize that the second verse was after the little girl had been fitted for glasses. This one was my daughter when she, my ex, and I would walk in the evenings. Mrs Jim had a similar experience and now you. Perhaps I was too subtLe or also the saying, "It takes one to know one" is true.
..
I think the (slight) downside of participating in a community is that we can read each other's work too quickly, not taking time to fully understand what is there to be seen with a closer look. (No pun intended, lol.) I didn't find it too subtle at all; but I guess that those who have never needed glasses, if reading in haste, might miss the obvious.
DeleteYou are kind, to have adopted an older one. I imagine, like we humans, the history she has lived makes her slow to adapt to change. The lick implies trust and gratitude. Yay!
ReplyDeleteSo very simple, and the slightest sign of her affection, a blessing.
ReplyDeleteA cat showing such affection is something that you feel honored to have.. wonderful
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this precious moment
ReplyDeleteThanks for this one, Rosemary. You did a wonderful thing for you, and your new friend.
ReplyDeleteShe's the boss!
ReplyDeleteNot entirely. There are some other things in which she has to accept my decisions, e.g. what and how much she get to eat.
DeleteHa. Lovely. K.
ReplyDeleteA lovely from me too.
ReplyDelete"She makes all
the running, sets the pace. It’s simple."
So true - cats own us not the other way round!
Anna :o]
A milestone moment indeed! Beautifully penned, Rosemary💘
ReplyDeleteI've had cats all my life and I totally get this. I had a cat once that LOVED to be by me - followed me from room to room. But did not want me ever to pick her up and cuddle! They are distinct personalities and they fascinate me.
ReplyDelete