Black Cats

By luigi_pagano

Fri, 27 Nov 2020
  • 1045 reads
6 comments
 
Black cats are just miniature panthers.
They are supple and lithe, with motions
that have the sinuous grace of dancers.
Don't be deceived by the languid manner
which resembles a perpetual lethargy
that saps the strength of these felines
as they can pounce with sudden energy,
jump higher and outrun their provider.
They are so cuddly and full of charm;
it's unbelievable that some people think
that they bring bad luck and do harm.
For this reputation, to a certain extent,
religion has to accept responsibility.
The Pilgrims arrived at Plymouth Rock
bringing with them a devotional faith
but also an irrational fear of witchcraft
of which the black cat was the epitome.
In contrast, sailors attributed to them
supernatural powers to save lives at sea
and Egyptians were more appreciative
believing them to be magical creatures
who could bring good luck to the owners.
These pets were fed treats fit for royalty
and rich people dressed them in jewels.
But the level of devotion shown to them
went far beyond their owners' affection
and they evolved from useful predators
to physical embodiments of the gods
and became symbols of divine protection.
 
 
 
© Luigi Pagano 2020
Certificate U
Poem
Mutevoli pensieri

Comments

Submitted by peterelbee on

I liked your poem about black cats Luigi.. It is hard to belieive the colour of a cat's fur could make them unlucky. I don't know if many people still honestly believe such supersitions, other than out of habit. Cats lay on thier side and wait for you to start pattign them, then when you least suspect it they nip you just becasue they can. 

I have always liked cats. 

Keep up the good work .

Peterelbee

 

 

 

 

 

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

Hello Leslie.
many thanks for reading this poem and letting me know that you liked it. For cat lovers like us, it is impossible to understand the superstitious nonsense about black cats bringing bad luck if they cross your path. It is just like fearing Friday the thirteenth; absolutely no justification. In fact, the number thirteen has got the same bad reputation as our black pets: in some hotels there is no room 13. How idiotic is that?frown

 

Submitted by skinner_jennifer on

Hi Luigi,

I always wanted a pure black cat, there's something wonderfully mysterious about them, especially those beautiful eyes that seem to say: 'I know what you're thinking!'

I love those last two lines of your poem, it sums up exactly how I feel about black cats, but also cats in general.

Nice one Luigi. yes

Jenny. xx

 

 

 

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

My last cat was black and looked exactly like the one illustrated above the poem and before him all the cats we had were black and white. He was independent and very affectionate but sometimes it was cupboard love. He had an acute sense of hearing and when he jumped on the window's sill we knew that a few minutes later the car that my daughter was driving would arrive on the driveway.

Knowing about your love for cats I thought that this would appeal to you. Thanks, Jenny, for reading and commenting,

Luigi xx

 

Submitted by airyfairy on

Apparently black cats are more likely to be abandoned, and shelters find them harder to rehome.  Bonkers.  I think they're gorgeous.  My own cat does not agree - the black cat over the road is bigger than she is and gets first dibs on the best bit of sunlit grass!  

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

Hi Jane.
It is unbelievable that black cat should be discriminated against to such an extent, Various reasons have been put forward for black cat bias; apart from the negative association with witchcraft, unthinkable in these days and age, they may be thought aggressive and less friendly. Racial prejudice has also been suggested which I think is a far-fetched theory.
My cat was very affectionate and timid in nature - in fact, he was bullied by a tabby cat and though nota coward he took the sensible decision not to engage in confrontation.

Luigi x