Van Gogh's "Long Grass with
Butterflies" (portion)
In darkness, mom told stories and more
Of what lay just outside our nest's door
Of fields with long grasses within to run
Of blue skies above and bright warm sun.
She told of her youth, of her ventures out
Scary--yet exciting--she left us no doubts;
How she stalked mice, and low-flying birds
Emitting shrieks she'd not ever before heard!
"Shhh!" she whispered, to movement so quiet
Unsure what stirred outside our small hamlet;
"Listen!" She'd say, as the swallows called
Now, we felt sure, we knew nothing at all.
"Don't fret," mom said, "these you will learn
Before green leaves turn yellow and auburn.
Watch me, see what I do when I hear
Some noise off distant or so very near."
"You'll have much to learn, in so little time
Many secrets unfolding, day to nighttime
Look, see, feel, sniff, as much as you can
There's so much to know in a short span.
"I'll protect, I'll teach, to make life easy, fun
Guide your paws, until you're more certain.
Then, I'll ease up my paw, I'll let you roam
While I seek for you a quite loving home."
Sometimes, mom left us sleeping, curled,
While sights of futures, in dreams swirled
Simple imaginings of young kits, three,
Wonders of life we each hoped to see!
One day when mom finally returned
She told predictions, all she learned
She told Brother of a farmer, close
Whose calm, caring ways mom knows;
She nudged Sis, with a lick and purr
And spoke of the boy found for her;
Mom told me of a Lady, her pure heart
A Lady who'd love me from the start.
Mom thus set about to give us a long wash
With us "presentable", our fears she'd squash.
"There'll be plenty of cool water, good food -
I only want loving people for my brood!"
Three Kittens
Half-rolled down the hill, south from our nest
We loped along, mom saying it was "best"
She then took me --and my brother and sis--
To large house, horse-place of heavenly bliss.
We rounded the corner, entered the dark
Senses aware, unsure if danger or lark
Tilting our heads, ever this way and that
Detecting sounds, smells - easy for a cat!
Mom moved slowly; behind we stayed
Then behind a wall, something neighed!
High above me, a beast gave snort !
Behind the tallest seen door-like fort.
A stamping hoof made me run fast
Unsure of what made such a blast!
Catching up to mom, looking ahead
"Shh, calm down," was all she said.
I sensed wariness mom always had
Hope and distrust, a contrast so sad
Though she stayed some distance back
Mom encouraged me on to the snack.
Just ahead, food from a Lady's hand fell
Hearty treats with a scrumptious smell !
Though taught good manners and reserve
I couldn't resist what the Lady had served !
Mom told us once about 'Rice Krispy Treats'
She said it was supreme, awesomely sweet
I wondered if 'Krispies' was what the Lady gave
But couldn't ask, my mouth full of what I craved.
Robin's chirps mixed with dove's low throaty song
Reminding mom, "It's time now we moved along."
"But mom," I whined, "Isn't She who you picked
To take care of me, whether I was well or sick?"
"Yes," mom said, "But you must wait for a bit
"Till heavens bless this budding relationship."
"Mom, then why do you seem so scared?"
"Because...about me, no one has ever cared."
"Her heart is pure, I already know her eyes
I know how she acts, and she tells no lies
But, for the son of two feral cats she must
Show me her devotion and undying trust."
"Holly? Holly, won't you stay some more
"Caring for you has never been a chore!"
Thus, I heard the Lady call mom by name
I wanted to stay, life wouldn't be the same.
"Come on, little paws, we'll be home soon
"Where together we'll watch the rising moon
"We'll listen to muffled song of the barn owl
"Watchful for creatures on their nightly prowl."
"I'll purr and trill until you doze for the night
Never leaving you far from watchful sight.
Then, a day soon, to the stable we will trek
Back to the Lady, where we can re-check."
"She doesn't want to frighten," mom purred,
"So, we'll visit her again, see what love stirred."
I trusted mom's wisdom, but sure wanted to go
Where Kibbles and Kindness so freely flowed.
On another outing, a woodpecker's laugh
I wondered if it was warning on our behalf?
But yet, we forged ahead through tall grass
A mom, two Tom-kits, and a sister-lass.
On the way, mom told us about Black Bart
A romantic night with dad gave us our start.
But dad and mom roamed in separate ways;
We on sloping hill; he where trees fell to decay.
I pondered life without a dad, till we came again
To the place of sweetly scented hay, a lovely Zen.
This time, I ran right in, then sniffed all about
Stealthily taking steps, as if I was the scout.
To my nose, extraordinary smells!
From what, where, I could not tell--
But my curious nature I so use
To investigate odors, I'd pursue.
Sweaty-leather to match each horse
My nose could tell each one, of course!
Though introductions were not yet made
I mewed "Hello" as I passed, no delay.
The shadows above me nodded in turn
From behind their doors, without concern
Ahead was the Lady I wanted to know
I held my tail high, chest out, much bravo!
Though nervous, I wanted to impress
I wanted a home, I hoped to express
"Well, hello," the Lady's smile greeted
Her hopeful optimism never defeated.
I heard her joy, mom did as well
"There's much love here, I can tell."
"Mom, if she wants me, you come too!"
"I can't, son, there's much here I must do."
I watched mom then slowly walk away
Her long hair looking drooped, more gray
She didn't look back, my heart felt sad
But the hope of a home made me glad!
By now, we'd been coming here for weeks
I'd held myself back--till she touched my cheek!
Sounds muffled soft, her face became my world
Love songs and angel's wings around me twirled!
The Lady called it "Pets"--I called it "Bliss!"
Her hands gave touches I surely had missed!
I stayed nearby her as much as I could do--
When I wasn't held in her arms, I felt so blue.
Every time she left, at top of driveway I sat
Sad to be a feral; the Lady needed this cat!
I vowed to sit waiting, until she understood
I was just a little boy feeling lost in the woods.
I'd keep my watch till I couldn't see her more
Then sadly stroll back to sit near Riley's door.
In neighs and mews, we shared our hearts
We wished from the Lady to never be apart.
I kept Riley awake till muted light brought dawn
Riley then gave one mighty and big loud yawn
On a folded blanket, I'd tuck my paws under
Let my head drop low, slipping into slumber.
Dreams of the Lady filled my sleeping thoughts
Wondering if love, this feral boy had caught?
Waiting for her to come again, blissful touch--
Wishing she'd know that I missed her much!
Then to the bushes, where she saw me last
Wondering if she was missing this cat?
Never sure she'd return, I hoped anyway
That she'd want me, is all I could pray.
When she drove back in, I felt a sudden chill--
Seeing her again, so hopeful, a wonderful thrill !
Round her legs, I wound and rubbed my scent
For her special touch, I would never relent !
After many pets, a box she set down for me
I jumped right in, peering through holes to see.
Then, she told me a secret, "You've got a home,"
"You'll never again be cold, cast outside to roam."
I admit, I wasn't sure exactly what she meant
But her excitement told me this was "the" event;
Before I could turn to even say any goodbyes
She'd closed the door, and lifted me up high.
"You're a big boy now," I heard mom's voice
"Hold on tight for the ride, and then-- rejoice!"
My lip quivered some; my fears I kept inside
Within the box's shadows I wanted to hide.
New noises, movements, I just had to stand
To sniff greatly, and try to reach my Lady's hand.
"It's okay," she reassured, touching my nose;
I knew I loved my Lady, wherever we'd go.
The noises and smells became just a blur
When she opened the door, I felt unsure.
I peeked real quick, gingerly stepping out
With deep breath, I again became a scout!
Puffing my tiger stripes, I strutted right ahead
My fear, uncertainty, causing me much dread;
I was "just a baby," she said, "a sweetie so shy,"
But to appear brave, was all I wanted to try!
She made a place for me, food, water set
Then came a voice, someone I never met
"Such a handsome cat! He looks so scared."
For this man-person, I was so unprepared.
Soon I heard him call my Lady, 'Anne',
And then I learned that 'Jim' was her man.
Though to me, just my human Mom and Dad
In a comfy safe home, never again to be sad.
So very soon, I found I was not to be alone
Thomasina and The Pie also called this home.
Thomasina fled in fear, but Pie stayed close-by
Then licked my face well when I started to cry.
Pie said he'd have a long talk with his Sis -
"She'll come 'round; nothing will be amiss;
"Now, you settle down beside me, here;
"Let me give a good lick to that other ear."
"You smell a bit--something I can't name."
Then I told of the giants, from where I came.
Of high-pitched jays who flew all around
Of squirrels who made chattering sounds.
"Well now you're home, let's go to sleep
Paws, hands, and hearts all yours to keep."
We slept in warm, long streaming sunlit rays
His heartbeat strong, my trembling allayed.
The Pie, "hugging" a younger Thistle
My Mom-Anne awoke me with soft voice,
Offered me foods, said it was my choice
I buried my face in the first bowl she filled
Belly-growls quieted, my taste-buds thrilled!
Then later that day, catnip sausage I got
Rolling with it, I kicked and I fought
Until that plump thing was quite spent
Only then would I let go and relent!
Thistle with his plump catnip sausage
Then! Noises from a 'box' drew me near
Squeaky, chirpy voices loud in my ears!
Then! Movement I saw in the shiny box
I stood straight up to paw and to gawk.
Such wonders I had once seen outside
Yet these appearances seemed to hide
No matter how well I struck with paw
I couldn't catch what I *knew* I saw!
Thus, during part of each and every day
Looking for 'box'-wonders where I lay;
Sometimes, only reflections there
I watched for wonders, if they dare!
Thistle at the "shiny box"
So intent to catch them, I paid no mind
When my Mom and Dad snuck up behind.
I never knew why they giggled at me so
As I pawed at things in the box-window.
One or the other would reach under me
Pick me up so their faces I could see
With smiles and soft love-words made
For kisses and pets, the box I'd trade.
Then I'd settle comfortably on a lap
My tail naturally around would wrap
As they scritched or petted me so well
My blissful happiness with purr I'd tell.
Thomasina |
The Pie |
Thomasina finally came to her "a-ha!"
Invited me to lay with her on "her sofa".
But I scared her when "Chase!" was on
She hid so well, I couldn't have more fun.
But Pie, he didn't mind me being rough
Jump! Chase! Biting right on his scruff !
I'd jump, knock him over, games robust
One of us swatted when we'd had enough.
This silver mackerel tabby, I'd march on
Checking for what was right - and wrong.
Very Important Cat Business, all knew
There were things only *I* could do !
Sometimes Mom stopped my rounds
Traced my back stripe in its bounds
Rubbed my creamy white fur along
Listening as I purred loudly my song.
Left, front: Thistle
Background left to right:
Koko, Thomasina, and The Pie
Finally, time to go along to the bed
A "place for sleeping", Mom had said;
But I knew what lie under those sheets !
Mice to pounce, show my daring feats !
As toe-mice slowed after each I caught
Behind Her knees, I snuggled in my spot
Mom and I connected all during the night
Keeping Mom and Dad safe from all fright.
Mornings I was always up with the sun
Ready for whatever life brought as fun.
Eager to seek out adventures so new
Excited to help Mom with all she'd do.
But first came breakfast, they both said
Peeking in the cold-box above my head
They taught me I only had to patiently wait
To lick silken cereal-milk, without debate.
Next showers, shaving-- theirs--not mine--
(My morning bath required much more time !)
I never felt encumbered by a frock nor a suit;
Kissing at the doorway before their commutes.
One, then both, drove away, left me to guard
Ov'r Thomasina, Pie, our home, and our yard
At windows, I'd take up my watchful post
Though I admit -- I occasionally dozed!
When my family would finally reappear
I would be waiting at the door, right here.
Mom and Dad so happy to see me again!
All eager to relax in our own cozy den.
Evenings had their own busy routines
Delicious dinner, me sitting between
I'd wait patiently for a scrap I'd enjoy
Nev'r wanting my presence to annoy.
I adored nights created by Chinese
Fortune Cookies a true delicacy!
Mom broke off pieces, just for me;
Lovely "fortunes", so many to eat!
Dad outside, a roar would come
Motorcycle rev, without rhythm
Bothering my ears, and my head
Mom to comfort, no words said.
Then, when Mom spoke too loud
Dad intervened before I meowed
Both knew the world's best sound
Was kisses, love, hugs all around !
They'd make me into a 'sandwich'--
Held right up between their chests--
Trilling purrs, mewed my pleasure
Our deep love always to treasure.
Whether sandwich-cat or dangle-cat
Excited how they loved me like that!
Poor thistle-cat once born in cool grass
Now lived in a home of love, high class!
Thistle, the sandwich-cat and dangle-cat
Yet, I never forgot roots long gone
Outside, winds called me beyond
Nature-scents, fresh in their allure
Earthen smells never to obscure.
To these and more I felt drawn
As darkness turned to the dawn
As sunlight filtered on to the noon
Out to the garden I must be soon!
Thistle says, "Let's go out now!"
At the glass, I paced so to insist
To go outdoors I would persist
Mom's helpful hand on the door
Freed me to go and to explore.
I'd swipe my feet in grass and dirt
To all sounds and sights, ever alert
"Son, days past, don't ever forget
From dawn's rising, into sunset"
So, I heard my old mom's advice
To senses, life would ever entice
Fresh nature, like Riley's domain
These garden-scents mine to claim.
|
Thistle on Patrol
in the Garden
& "hiding his rear" in the lily
bed... |
 |
I'd chatter to birds on my patrol
Sneak up on the lone digging mole
Watch butterflies dance overhead
After rock-climbing, settle into bed.
By instinct all the critters I'd hear
Beside tall lilies I'd 'hide' my rear
There, ready to pounce, to stalk
Ever-alert there, a good Sherlock.
I'd sniff flowers on the lifting breeze
Loved all, but some made me sneeze!
Chase butterflies, finches, doves, Pie
A happiness I could never describe!
Though instinct called me to action
Each moment lived, no distraction!
While in memories, mom's low trill
Worries lost in wind on a low hill.
I thought long on mom's sage advice
"Life to be lived once, never twice !"
"Give love forever, where love met;
Full to the moment, without regret !"
"Sad times, more easily forgotten
"When life you do seek to brighten;
"Touch paws to hearts, love strong;
Love thus given, nev'r to be wrong."
Garden smells to remind of my birth
Warm-burrowed spot, close to earth
Where my mom, brother, and little sis
Watched the dawn through early mist
Where Riley and others daily turned out,
Where matted grasses marked our route
Where gifts from nature, quite serene,
Gives birth to a love, exquisitely keen.
There in my rock-bed, Mom roused
Past slipping away to present now;
I wondered, did she know I adored
Her and Dad--how my heart soared !
Days and years passed in happy purr
Content with my life, with him and her
Ruling ov'r Thomasina, Pie, and home
My happy memories could fill a tome!
Then, when Dr Vet felt my kidneys small--
She felt them like that before, she did recall--
Concluding I'd had a problem as a kit,
Though they had never bothered me a bit.
But Dr Vet said as I had grown mature
Good function, kidneys couldn't ensure
November 2007, just merely 9 of age
"Battles" Mom and Dad now to gauge.
Food was first, with "Starkist Tuna"--yum!
Smell intense, quickly lapped by my tongue
Until I recovered enough, again to eat
But I always loved my lovely tuna treat !
Appetite jump-started for finicky eater
Mom and Dad then would always cater
But in my illness, I looked only for fun
Eager for vitality, till the day was done.
Thistle standing in the Garden
And so, we settled again to routines
Loves, hugs, kisses, all in-between
I made sure Mom took quiet time
Out in the garden, she was all mine !
I celebrated another birthday, May 1st
Promise and hope to support life's thirst
Born in Year of the Tiger, earthly pursuit
Mom said I was a "bright soul", so astute.
Mom knew me completely, as I knew her
We shared a sparkling joy with
each other;
Living "with purpose" in action and in deed
Caring for others, our biggest shared need.
Unconditional love, we shared that SO much
In daily routine, soft words, and gentle touch
Always thankful mom picked my Mom for me
A forever-Mom and ever-loving home to be.
Cold wind blew through the Winter of 2008
I'd tuck my tail under at my bowl and ate
But stomach pains, nausea, ever a threat
Making head hurt, as sick as I could get.
I kept that all to myself without a word
Over the months, days became a blur
Till March 10, 2009 when I crashed
Quickly, to Dr Vet we then dashed.
There I had to stay, lost in Cage 106
Dr Vet attached IV, with wish to fix
My ailing kidneys, blood values high
Worrying about Mom, to see her cry.
When she left, I wanted only to follow
Without her, life felt dark and hollow
With "lightning" speed, I'd muster so
Quickly out the door, I'd try to go.
But they always caught me in mid-leap
Put me back into that cage to keep -
They said I had to drink and to eat
So they knew I was "back on my feet."
Such a funny Dr Vet, to say such a thing
Feet never had a problem to go charging!
I reminded her then, my tummy felt bad
The most jarring nausea I had ever had!
Back in "the cage" fearing I'd not ever see
Dad and Mom, my bestest Man and Lady
I didn't feel well at all, I didn't feel strong
I so prayed Mom would "be right along".
When Mom came, overcome with joy
Butting, purring, her "Baby Gouda" boy!
My heart sank in Mom's desperate eyes
To regain health, I promised I'd really try !
"For now though, head-butts I must do
To distract from all you've been through !"
Dr Vet said, "You should take him now.
Give Thistle all the love time will allow."
Thistle Comforted by Mom-Anne
during his illness, at his treasured home
So, with prayer and hope, I got my wish
To go home, my home, my love to lavish
With Mom, Dad, Thomasina, and Pie
All the way home, my relieved sighs.
There, Mom got "treatments" underway
Pills, "SubQ's", and love every day
Mom helped me eat, fussy as I am--
Measured by ounces, then by drams.
Flustered when chunks I just spat out
Hated minced Science Diet, no doubt;
Mom hadn't picked the wrong foods
Just that illness made it harder to chew.
In fact, much made me tired, much more
My "kitten ways" even became a chore
My body was slowing, I couldn't deny
My increasing bad days I couldn't hide.
Nights I couldn't rest, neither did my Mom
Though her heart cried, she tried to be calm
We held, butted, talked long into the dawn
Brought up life's wonders to ponder on.
Like, how was Riley so graceful in trot?
How can rabbits run faster than thoughts?
How do flowers smell so sweet and lovely?
How can the sun shine ever-on so brightly?
Why does wonderful Love hurt so bad?
Why does happiness sometimes feel sad?
Why can't all kitties find someone to care?
Why can't all people find Love to share?
While Mom petted and patted, answers none
I remembered again from where I had begun
Amid the bushes, thistle and rosemary
Always glad I was made a boy to be !
This Thistle, Gouda boy, ever grateful
My home and life's been so blissful
With my Dad-Jim, and my Mom-Anne
Thomasina, Pie, Koko, my family clan.
I know they'd never leave me alone
In this illness which life has thrown
I know they'd do all - and even more
Give to their last, my health to restore.
Yet, nature creates a circular road
Beginning to end, created burrow
Within paws or arms to protect
Mom at birth, then a Mom to select.
A Mom who forever loves my face
A Mom who cares with good grace
A Mom ever-mindful of her charge
A Mom who makes my life enlarge.
On this night, though my body weak
It is only Mom's love I ever seek
As she lays on the floor, by my side
My unending love I cannot ever hide.
We both know now, the end nears
In breaking voice and in your tears
Anxious feeling of impending doom
We know I'll be leaving you soon.
You took me to our Garden rest
Where all our lives entwined best
Catnip scent, amid birds' songs
Realizing our time wasn't long.
Brave and stoic we both reassured
Loving hearts, forever treasured
Heard your words, felt your touch
Hoped you'd know I'll miss you much.
Your Thistle, a scared cat, so shy
Never trembled as I flew so high
Drifting, lifted toward Nature's birth
As I left my small body on this earth.
Angelic Thistle
But, Mom! My Spirit is still strong!
I purr to you nightly, my lullaby song
Ever connected, always shining light
Ever with you, to make days bright.
Forever, forever, I stay in your heart
Memories of life, from wooded start
In every kiss you gave, or hug close
You showed how you loved me most.
Listen for the wind to carry our tale
Draw in our love with each inhale
Tell everyone the journey we shared
A blessed life, full of love and care.
Tell others how they can help, too
Care for a lost kitty they can do
Give a Home and Garden to reign -
The Love created, will ever remain.
Thistle, bathed in Light
