Sitting on the Fence

It is the predator in cats
that can’t be denied
Domesticated pussies…..ha!

Neighbours, over the fence
like to watch birds
Sparrows, gold finches,
blue tits, pigeons
Surprising what can be
attracted to a back garden
The birds just love little tit bits
Bird table is a treasure trove of delights
They are enticed

Jimmy watches them through his binoculars
His body may be gone but not his mind
Many a good tale gets richer in the telling
But now he must rest his gardening tools
He has taken to bird watching
Much to the delight of the local cat

This is the chance to get
at those singing birds
balancing on wires and
hiding in trees…out of harms way
Or so they think

Cat’s sitting on our side
Waiting for an unsuspecting young starling
to sit on the fence
Body taut and alert, never moving
Intensity in every fibre
Staring with deadly intent
Sleek, stripy, fawn, a killing machine

The fence looks too high
At least four times the height of the cat
Timing and strength are everything
He will wait there for an hour
Never bored in the morning light

Beautiful singing from the birds
Calculated action from the cat
Blink of an eye, vertical assault.
Barely a sound
A free bird is crushed feathers

Cat with bird in his mouth
Skulks away
Like a fugitive on the run
Instinct accomplished.