Karnak

Modern poetry modern verse contemporary poetry contemporary verse modern poem contemporary poem

The cat communicates what cats can say

From ancient Egypt onwards.  Cats and men

Rubbed, just as people pet their cats today.

A hungry cat would rub again, again, again

Against his human’s shin.  The man would pet

The tail and flank, but mostly face and ears,

And cause the beast to purr and arch.  The jet

Black beasts and men shared spheres

In life and death.  Upon the temple walls

The cats killed birds and fish — and men liked that.

The noticed and revered the cats.  In halls

The cats eyed Pharaohs, purring, “I’m a cat.”

  Our cats remain the same…and men the same.

    Both species say, “I will not be just tame.”

©  Phillip Whidden
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