Spanish Cats

A poem written in Majorca

17.04.2009

When I was in Deia, Majorica a few months ago, there were a surprising number of village cats. Deia was lovely and an inspiring place to write. I wrote some poetry, as I often do when I travel. Here is my cat poem:

Spanish Cats

In Deia
Spanish cats wander.
Black, calico,
amber, brown,
black and white;
One with piercing green eyes.
pauses a moment to gaze on an intruder.
She approaches as cats do.
Warily, as though it doesn’t matter
if I acknowledge her.
Aloof, indifferent, defensive.
Ah! But those eyes betray.
I reach out to touch her;
she arches slightly,
her pleasure nearly imperceptible.
I see it.
Few others would.
You need to be paying attention.
Or else,
you must be that cat.