Black Friday

The day after Thanksgiving I didn't have to work
So, I decided to do something which was kind of a quirk.

I thought I would do some early shopping
For those Christmas gifts that would be eye popping.

As I started my car to begin my store raid
Something went amiss to stop my escapade.

I opened the hood to find the problem there
When I saw it, it really gave me a scare.

Our neighbor's black cat had crawled onto the engine block
Feeling the warmth, but not taking stock.

When I turned the key to give it a start
The cat shrieked as its tail was nearly cut apart.

Oh, it wasn't intentional that I hurt that poor pet
But you've never seen anything like it I'll bet.

When I heard the noise and the hissing you see,
I thought one of the hoses had broken...leaking fluently.

But it was the cat that was hissing when I raised the hood
All he could think of was to jump for where I stood.

With claws all out and teeth set to bite
Him coming at me was quite the site.

Fortunately he missed me with his outstretched paws,
Or I would have been really attached to those razor like claws.

When he hit the ground he ran away
Scared the crap out of me...that's all I'll say.

So I had to collect myself before I could go anywhere
Went back to the house and just stood shaking there.

Of course, I had to have a pop or two
To settle my nerves before I started anew.

Before I knew it, I was asleep in a chair
I never attempted to go anywhere.

All because a black cat wanted to keep warm
In the end, I was thankful I did so little harm.

"Black Friday" would have cost me a heck of a lot more
Had it not been for that cat's dozing for sure.

So, now whenever I go to the store
I buy some cat food, for that kitty next door.

He still remembers my opening that hood
I still remember him trying to claw me where I stood.

But we've come to an understanding that cat and me
And I tap the car before starting it to let him see.

As it is now...he stays out of my way,
Except when I feed him, for all the money he saved me on "Black Friday".
Copyright © | Year Posted 2010

Poem

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Brown Avatar
November 29, 2010 at 7:04 AM
A well deserved featured poem you have here Daniel. May you have many more. Love, Carol
Dietrich Avatar
November 28, 2010 at 6:55 PM
Oh, my , your bad luck black cat became a GOOD luck cat. Fun story here. I enjoyed! Luv, Andrea
Sweetheart Avatar
November 28, 2010 at 5:21 PM
Congrats Dan on your featured poem this week on the Soup... a great one to share with us all this happy Sunday with luv.. my friend..
Kendrick Avatar
November 28, 2010 at 9:10 AM
Enjoyed every line..I am glad that you got a well deserved nap and saved yourself some stress and money..If this is an entry in a contest, good luck..I was delighted that you stopped by my work and found something good to say about my work..Yes, I know about the disposal after Christmas ...My husband owned a garbage company for years then sold out to another company and still works for the other company..The few days after Christmas produces more garbage than any other time of year...Sara
Henderson Avatar
November 27, 2010 at 6:54 PM
Cute, funny sdtory I can relate to Dan. I had similar happen to me, but cat did not get hurt. Charles
Mehta Avatar
November 27, 2010 at 2:53 PM
A story told in the most lucid and touchy way, Daniel
Haick Avatar
November 27, 2010 at 11:10 AM
A very delightful poem to read today, Daniel! Confirmation that everything created has its purpose. The little kitty kat did his just fine as did you, Love this and to my favorite list it goes. Hope Thanksgiving was good! Love, Audrey
La France Avatar
November 27, 2010 at 9:28 AM
This poem is so entertaining and wonderful, you have a gift for storytelling, I have heard of this happening, that cat was very lucky indeed, I think this is a lucky black cat who was saved on that black day~~
Dufresne Avatar
November 27, 2010 at 4:28 AM
I know the feeling exactly. I don;t want to go into details but I do understand. We now beat our vehicles hoods too before starting...esp. on cold nights. Maybe if your readers take your advice they will save a kitty too! Thanks for sharing this important notice, Daniel. One of ours was killed and another a broken leg. Sad. Beat the hoods everyone!
Johnson Avatar
November 26, 2010 at 10:38 PM
I know I shouldn't have, but I actually "laughed out loud" when reading this... I do feel bad for the cat though! Great work! Thanks for sharing!
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