Cast of Characters

Stripey

Photo Credit: Henry Hobbs

~~~~~~~

I've just finished reading an Alice Hoffman novel with a compelling cast of characters. The most compelling didn't enter until three quarters of the way through but instantly stole the story out from under the others. "George led her into the back room, where there was a makeshift kitchen and a lunch table. On a perch in the corner there was a parrot. The bird was green with ultramarine and red and orange streaks." From this understated introduction comes a surprise literature favorite of mine. He remained nameless. However, he made a name for himself by a two word vocabulary, "GET OUT!!!!" The memorable phrase appeared infrequently but always at a "spot on" occasion. This reminded me that perhaps, although not an Irish poem which I had intended, it was the right moment to post my poem about the hurricane cat, Ivan.

~~~~~~~

Waiting for Stravinsky

Ivan spurns the disco tracks,

the health care news.

He sleeps, his catnaps longer these days,

with his paws double-jointed

tucked under like small never melting snowballs.

Despite appearances he has not

lost interest; he simply waits for what

will rouse him. Stravinsky.

The Rite of Spring is recognized from the

first note.

The young ancestral tiger muscles position themselves

for leaping. Up in the air he goes,

stripes undulating

rapidly, contorting, frolicking.

Is there an imaginary partner? Nureyev?

Or a member of the Jellicoe Cats?

From room to room the prancing frenzy

continues, like a rabbit unsnared.

The piece finishes. Ivan stops.

Alas, it's Chopin now. Ivan sleeps.

~~~~

...may the gentle, winsome characters in your life dance with you...