Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Marge Piercy's poem "Cats of Greece" is a vivid exploration of the survivalist spirit and stark beauty of the feral cats that populate the streets of Greece. Through powerful imagery and a concise narrative, Piercy delves into the lives of these animals, juxtaposing their existence against the backdrop of human activity and tourist behavior.

The poem begins with a striking description: "The cats of Greece have eyes grey as plague." This opening line immediately sets a tone of desolation and resilience. The comparison of their eyes to "plague" evokes a sense of enduring hardship and the harsh realities these animals face. The choice of "grey" not only emphasizes a lack of vitality but also suggests a kind of historical weight, as if these cats carry the burdens of past sufferings within their gaze.

Piercy continues to build on this imagery by describing their voices as "limpid, all hunger." The use of "limpid" suggests clarity and transparency, implying that their hunger is pure and unfiltered. This hunger is not just for food, but perhaps also for affection and security, highlighting their precarious existence. The line "As they dodge in the gutters their bones clack" further reinforces their frailty and the constant danger they live in. The sound of their bones clacking suggests emaciation and a constant state of movement, always dodging threats and seeking sustenance.

The relationship between the cats and dogs is intriguingly reversed: "Dogs run from them." This unexpected detail hints at a ferocity born of necessity. Despite their apparent weakness, these cats possess a strength that even intimidates dogs, creatures typically seen as dominant. This reversal of roles underscores the adaptability and tenacity of the cats.

In the tavernas, the cats are described as sitting "at tableside and watch you eat." This image captures a moment of intersection between the human and feline worlds. Their "moonpale cries hurl themselves / against your full spoon" creates a poignant contrast between their desperate hunger and the abundance enjoyed by humans. The term "moonpale" adds a ghostly, almost otherworldly quality to their cries, enhancing the sense of haunting need.

The reaction of a cat to human touch is described vividly: "If you touch one gently it goes crazy. / Its eyes turn up. / It wraps itself around your ankle / and purrs a rusty millennium, you liar, you tourist." This reaction speaks volumes about the cats' interactions with humans. The sudden shift from gentle touch to frantic behavior reflects their intense need for affection, yet also their distrust and unpredictability. The "rusty millennium" of purring suggests an ancient, primal response, a deep-seated need for warmth and connection that has long been neglected.

The final lines, "you liar, you tourist," are a biting commentary on the transient nature of human interaction with these cats. The speaker accuses the tourist of deceit, perhaps because their brief kindness does not alter the cats' harsh reality. The tourist's presence is fleeting, their empathy momentary, contrasting sharply with the cats' ongoing struggle for survival.

In summary, "Cats of Greece" by Marge Piercy is a powerful and evocative portrayal of the feral cats in Greece, capturing their resilience, desperation, and the fleeting nature of human compassion. Through rich imagery and a concise yet impactful narrative, Piercy highlights the stark contrast between the tourists' transient kindness and the cats' enduring struggle. The poem serves as a poignant reminder of the often-overlooked lives of these animals, their survival against the odds, and the shallow depth of human interaction in the face of persistent need.

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