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Bright Birds

Deceptive, drowsy,
the gray cat, Tempus, in doldrums
lazes, purring, stretching.
I have watched him:
cunning eyes half-closed,
he stalks bright birds near day lilies.
Wings wet from flights
through sprinklers' sweeps,
birds swoop, glide, flutter.
They light on dry grass,
strut and shake themselves,
are lulled. Then, Tempus
pounces on one bird.
The rest are routed…
And Tempus fugit.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2011

Poem

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White Avatar
April 13, 2016 at 6:31 AM
A Sylvester and Tweety ditty. Very clever
Marcum Wong Avatar
January 26, 2012 at 3:20 PM
How witty and original. I loved your ending to a delightful poem, and being a cat lover myself, a joy to read.
Devnath  Avatar
January 24, 2012 at 8:46 AM
Cunning eyes half-closed...nicely penned, thanks for sharing, loved, bl
Pettit Avatar
January 16, 2012 at 3:00 PM
I don't have a cat right now, but I've had them in the past. Your cat sounds a lot like those I've had. I had one female, and she was more of an aggressive hunter than the males. Good write.
Anish Avatar
January 12, 2012 at 10:53 AM
Nice alliteration here. I had a cat for many years and miss her. Peace & Blessings Matthew Anish
Guzzi Avatar
July 6, 2011 at 9:25 AM
naughty cat! I have always much preferred cats to birds anyway! Thanks for your comment not too many of us free verse poets here, glad to meet you! [ps I found out if I type in the search box on the mac it gives spelling alternatives! can't wait to get back to my PC] Light & Love
Devonshire Avatar
June 12, 2011 at 10:29 AM
Larry, this sounds like Tempus could have been any one of my cats. They are clever creatures, pretending to laze about as they are really stalking prey. Really enjoyed this one! Love, Carolyn
Dietrich Avatar
May 26, 2011 at 8:49 PM
GREAT descriptive writing, Leo, let me see one more!
Dey Avatar
May 22, 2011 at 6:08 PM
Nice visual impact...Great!
Mehta Avatar
May 16, 2011 at 1:10 PM
Creative and delightful expressions on bright birds, Leo
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