This month’s DMC challenge came from master poet Lee
Bennett Hopkins. The assignment was to write a “ME” poem. I don’t often participate in writing
challenges (mostly because of time), but as soon as I read “ write about a simple moment
in childhood that changed you in some way,” a memory popped into my mind and I
wanted to get it down before it was gone. There's more I'd like to say in this poem when I have time.
Calico Kitten
Walking home from school
I found a kitten,
almost hidden,
beneath a bramble bush.
Lying on the ground
bone thin and shivering—
her tail was quivering,
as I wrapped her in my jacket.
Afraid she might die
I carried her inside—
When she licked
warm milk
from my fingertips,
I knew she would survive
Then she curled herself
into my lap,
and thanked me,
with a purrrfect
lullaby.
I found the kitten when I was twelve, and I've had cats in my life ever since. Here is my Daisy playing with her toys. She has a basket full of toys, but she only plays with the ones that contain treats. She is very spoiled kitty!
I found a kitten,
almost hidden,
beneath a bramble bush.
Lying on the ground
bone thin and shivering—
her tail was quivering,
as I wrapped her in my jacket.
Afraid she might die
I carried her inside—
When she licked
warm milk
from my fingertips,
I knew she would survive
Then she curled herself
into my lap,
and thanked me,
with a purrrfect
lullaby.
I found the kitten when I was twelve, and I've had cats in my life ever since. Here is my Daisy playing with her toys. She has a basket full of toys, but she only plays with the ones that contain treats. She is very spoiled kitty!
Be sure to check out Today’s Little Ditty for a
wrap-up of the “ME” poem challenge, and you can read Michelle’s fabulous
spotlight interview with Lee Bennett Hopkins here.
I hope you're as excited about autumn as I am. I love this time of year! Now, let's go visit Janet and the rest of the Poetry Friday folks at Poetry for Children.
I hope you're as excited about autumn as I am. I love this time of year! Now, let's go visit Janet and the rest of the Poetry Friday folks at Poetry for Children.
Thank you for sharing your childhood rescue-story in words so vivid, so smooth flowing. I especially like the ending role reversal; cat lullabies the one who holds her; I like, too, the tempo and tongue-exercising challenge of "she licked warm milk from my fingertips." Thank you!
ReplyDeleteEven after all these years, I still remember how excited I was to find that tiny kitty. Thank you for stopping by, CB!
DeleteLove that lullaby at the end!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Mary Lee. The sound of a cat purring is the best, isn't it? : )
DeleteAh, yay for your me poem and for the calico kitten who started you on your cat-lover's path. Love that purrrfect lullaby... is there a better stress reliever than a purring cat in one's lap?? xo
ReplyDeleteI agree, Irene. The sound of purring is a joyful sound! Thanks for stopping by! : )
ReplyDeleteHi, Linda, thank you for joining our Poetry Friday party this week-- and for sharing this sweet memory! I'm a dog person myself, but we have the cuddling with a dear pet in common!
ReplyDeleteI would have loved to be you, Linda, and I have a 12 year old now who most certainly wishes the same! Call it what you will, but I sincerely doubt there was any accident in you and your first kitty finding each other that day. Thanks so much for lending your voice to this month's challenge!
ReplyDelete