Ramblings of an Old Kweer

Another one from Scottish Cats; different poet though.
This is dedicated to my dog, Tuppence; Bimbo, my cat, and Tessa a doggy who seemed as though she was around for ever. I'm sorry that I had to end your lives; sorrier that I have so few tangible memories of you, now that mine is failing. I will miss you always.


Otis by Hamish Whyte

I'd like to see you in my dreams, old cat,
nose pushing at the door
in welcome, warming your snowy
underside at the fire; ginger hovis
on my lap. Instead, I can't help
seeing you in your last minutes
staring at us with blind open eyes,
wheezing as your lungs shut down,
as all of you shut down,
your chin coming to rest
on the table as the drugs took
hold, put you to your dreamless sleep.


Hamish Whyte (b.1947)



Goddess watch over us all,
'tis ok to be Takei,
Kerk TehKek

Feeling Feline-friendly right now, so here's the first of some poems from a collection called Scottish Cats published in 2013; hardback, by Birlinn.


Familiar by Valerie Thornton

When I lie on the rug
the cat settles
in the small of my back
and we are a camel.

When I sit on the chair
in my big woolly jumper
the cat burrows under
and we're seven months gone.

When I stand by the window
longing to fly
my wings are rolled up
purring, across my shoulders.

When I'm trying to sleep
on a cold winter's night
I am near stifled
by a rumbling fur hat.

When I'm cooking our fish
and she tries to be slippers
I am a stumbling monster
she, a mouse under the dresser.

Valerie Thornton (b.1954)


Goddess watch over us all,
'tis ok to be Takei,
Kerk TehKek