by Jeannie Carlson
Member-At-Large, St. Petersburg, Florida
Soullessly a sleek and sinewy
Striped cat stalks
Too small a cage.
She paces proud protuberant paws
The space of her confinement.
Unresigned to a fettered fate,
Felinity is ever ready
To pounce ferociously to freedom.
Clawing a crevice,
Only her whisker
Can claim bristly visit
The incalculable void.
Undaunted, the direct
But stoic semiprecious eyes
Seductively suggest
One dare approach…
Either to set her free
Or be devoured.
Richard Parker.
This reminds me of the delicate balance between appreciating beauty but being wary of natural breeding described in the book, Life of Pi. The main character was marooned on a boat with a tiger he named Richard Parker. Your wonderful portrayal with words brings this book and movie back to life to me. It also reminds me of how cruel it is to keep wild creatures tethered.
It is truly a beautiful, thought provoking poem. Brava!
I like the connection to Life of Pi. Nature can have multiple metaphoric levels. Thanks for your input, Bev!
A TERRIFIC POEM. CATS RULE FOR SURE.
B.W.
Thanks, Barb!
Jeannie, this is a poem that demands to be read aloud. The alliteration is wonderfully effective, especially the sibilants. My favorite line is, “But stoic semiprecious eyes.” Beautiful! Thanks for sharing.
I’m glad you enjoyed the musicality. Thanks, for your reply.