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. 

20 comments:

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

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

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

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

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  11. 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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  12. 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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  13. My last cat as a child, that was usually a sign I was about to be pounced. Beautiul creatures.

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

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

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

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  18. Loved it. Such perceptive observations.

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