Classic and Contemporary Poetry
AN OLD CAT'S CONFESSIONS, by CHRISTOPHER PEARSE CRANCH Poet's Biography First Line: I am a very old pussy Last Line: And occasional herring and mouse. Subject(s): Animals; Cats | ||||||||
I am a very old pussy, My name is Tabitha Jane; I have had about fifty kittens, So I think that I mustn't complain. Yet I've had my full share of cat's troubles: I was run over once by a cart; And they drowned seventeen of my babies, Which came near breaking my heart. A gentleman once singed my whiskers, -- I shall never forgive him for that! And once I was bit by a mad dog, And once was deceived by a rat. I was tied by some boys in a meal-bag, And pelted and pounded with stones; They thought I was mashed to a jelly, But it didn't break one of my bones. For cats that have good constitutions Have eight more lives than a man; Which proves we are better than humans To my mind, if anything can. One night, as I wandered with Thomas, -- We were singing a lovely duet, -- I was shot in the back by a bullet; When you stroke me, I feel it there yet. A terrier once threatened my kittens; O, it gave me a terrible fright! But I scratched him, and sent him off howling, And I think that I served him just right. But I've failed to fulfill all my duties: I have purred half my life in a dream; And I never devoured the canary, And I never lapped half enough cream. But I've been a pretty good mouser, (What squirrels and birds I have caught!) And have brought up my frolicsome kittens As a dutiful mother-cat ought. Now I think I've a right, being aged, To take an old tabby's repose; To have a good breakfast and dinner, And sit by the fire and doze. I don't care much for the people Who are living with me in this house, But I own that I love a good fire, And occasional herring and mouse. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...HOW THE MIRROR LOOKS THIS MORNING by HICOK. BOB THE LONELY MAN by RANDALL JARRELL IN SEVERAL COLORS by JANE KENYON OPENING HER JEWEL BOX by WILLIAM MATTHEWS HAZARD FACES A SUNDAY IN THE DECLINE by WILLIAM MEREDITH CORRESPONDENCES; HEXAMETERS AND PENTAMETERS by CHRISTOPHER PEARSE CRANCH |
|