The BlueIris Semi-Nightly Poem Thread, 9/26/07 Bonus (warning: graphic language)

[BlueIris]

If you are as sensitive to descriptions of cruelty to animals as I am, you might want to skip this one

"Cats, Remember"

Remember the drowning,
young rough edged hands and drawstring bags,
the burn of summer evening sunlight on burlap, thrashing
elbows and knees of eight siblings and a mother, growling,
angrier than a hiss.

Remember the stomach drop plunge into
cold still water and the frantic swish
of claw cutting faces, ears, paws,
and the cool feeling of blood
drawing away.

Remember the first to go down
sudden stillness, an involuntary twitch.
Remember when it was the one above you,
her weight like a fist, pushing pushing.

Pushing weight without movement, just the bearing
down, the still heart and heavy ribs above you like the collapse
of a tired house under the dark green weight of kudzu vine.
Just one kitten lump and then another, smaller,
more compact. There is no sound, only the silent dis-
solve of another lifetime disposed.

Remember this, when they feed you.
Remember this, when the collar clicks on,
when they stroke your kitten ears and pretend
to love your slick satin coat and
the white iron bones beneath.

Remember this, when it is time
for warm baths or revolution.

—E.V. Noechel

[ThomCat]

1. Hell Yeah!

I absolutely love the sentiment in this one. It applies as political allegory very well.

[BlueIris]

2. Kick.

[BlueIris]

3. Kick.

[BlueIris]

4. Kick.

[BlueIris]

5. Kick.

[BlueIris]

6. Kick.