My Thirteen-Toed Lover

When you stuck your paw out from that shelter cage,
Did you have any idea whose sleeve you clawed?
Did you see a heart you needed to engage?
Was there a sense that I’d see you and applaud?
Was it your intent other pets to upstage?
How could you know I’d love a critter so flawed?
Six toes on one paw, seven on another
For some reason you knew I’d be your mother

I was not searching for a small, gray tabby
But love springs forth when we least expect it to
Born in a barn, scruffy looking, so shabby
My ferile heart you were able to subdue
It mattered not that I was tired and crabby
My feigned, rough exterior you could see through
I wanted a guard dog, surely you knew that
But I ended up with a thirteen-toed cat

One who came to know my lap as her pillow
And oddly had discriminatory taste
I’d have had more use for an armadillo
Possums on a half shell of earthworms make waste
But Katy won my heart with a tail that billowed
While eying tuna with a smirk of distaste
A fur ball she was, but I’ll not forget her
I’ve never known a more devoted lover


*Ottava Rima for Jared's contest on "New Love"
Copyright © | Year Posted 2011

Poem

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12
Davis Avatar
July 27, 2014 at 9:26 PM
Carolyn This is so full of ups and downs. The love and care you describe is so heartfelt and pours out with such feeling. Thank you for the great comment on my Road Construction poem
Guzzi Avatar
January 30, 2011 at 2:43 PM
Just wonderful alive, purring...joyous and to FORM BUt it seems so effortless, perhaps I'm just a sucker for cats BUT I LOVE this verse! 7 & fav! Light & Love
Haick Avatar
January 11, 2011 at 11:14 AM
Best of luck for the "New Love" Contest, Carolyn. Love, Audrey
Fraser Avatar
January 8, 2011 at 4:04 PM
It was cool to read all the comments, but I am totally bewildered by John Loving's comment. It appears the title made him reach that state of being human and 'Never Judge a Poem by it's Title' < Nope, I've trawled the net, pardon the pun, and I just can't see a thirteen-toed lover >
Fraser Avatar
January 8, 2011 at 3:59 PM
There are two emotions in this poem. Which are human and feline. We know what being human is about, we can only guess what it's like being an animal. But we can see it when we receive one of natures creatures as a pet. This poem captures these emotions totally. Good luck in the contest Carolyn....:)
Knop Avatar
January 7, 2011 at 9:20 AM
I myself had two cats once and the black one called Minnie was my favourite! I will never forget her! She was so cute! Loved your pretty poem and whish you best of success in Jared's contest! Love, Gert
Horsman Avatar
January 6, 2011 at 6:43 PM
Love this Carolyn, Please someone, put me into a cage, when C.D enters the store. i'm flawed honestly i am. Harry
Loving Iii Avatar
January 6, 2011 at 12:03 PM
i had to take a peak. ok i'll give it a pass. john h loving iii
Loving Iii Avatar
January 6, 2011 at 11:59 AM
i'm not gonna read the first line or the last. i never thought a woman could be obscene but this title pretty much fits my bill.john
Austin Avatar
January 6, 2011 at 6:22 AM
Yes. Cats have a way of inserting themselves, a gift they are probably not even aware of. I think it's just being a cat that does the trick for them, and thirteen toes is simply an added love-feature. Did I tell you about our kitten spot? Craziest cat you ever saw - pure white, but with a black triangle over his nose and a couple of strangely formed black spots on his back. Oh yes, and a black- tipped tail. Love, Dave
La France Avatar
January 6, 2011 at 6:08 AM
Oh my gosh, Carolyn, this poem is staggering to me, I just "love it" it pulled at my heart strings, and love comes in many forms, even in a thirteen toed cat. I took in a bedgraggled homeless cat once that did nothing but hiss at me in the beginning, but became my "lover" of sorts, so much love between us, and when he died of old age, I was overtaken with misery and pain, even still~~
Brown Avatar
January 6, 2011 at 4:27 AM
So very beautiful Carolyn. I wish you the best in the contest. Love, Carol
Mehta Avatar
January 6, 2011 at 3:57 AM
Very novel and astonishing approach to the theme of New Love, Carolyn.I read it twice to enjoy the love for Katy
Docherty Avatar
January 5, 2011 at 11:49 PM
A gem of a poem which echo's your own heart and love throughout. Beautifully penned to keep your reader smiling throughout... Well done! Thanks for your ever welcome comments!
Cwiak Avatar
January 5, 2011 at 5:38 PM
Great write, Carolyn! We never know when we will be moved by a creature that we are not looking for, or by one that has some deformity. Yet, they find us in the strangest ways and know instinctively that they will give us their love if we will only open up to them. Good luck in the contest! Luv, Dan C
Dietrich Avatar
January 5, 2011 at 4:28 PM
LOVE IT, Carolyn. This is sure to be a winner! I almost got a three legged cat before I got my Lilah Vampira. But I opted for the "pretty one" and she is not very affectionate. GRRR. Luv, Andrea
Ruebel Avatar
January 5, 2011 at 3:58 PM
Hello Caroline, I read this twice it is so darling. Your poetry has a very large heart, just as I suspect you yourself do as well. thank you for all of your kind comments. I am having a great deal of fun and Poetry seems to bring me such happiness. As Always, Shar
Campi Avatar
January 5, 2011 at 2:55 PM
Hi, this was an delightful poem. I have never seen a 13 toed cat, hope it is good luck. Thank-you for your comment on my poem "Poetry and Mysticism" It has been kicked around some, but you and a few other poets like it. ?hanks again and have a great eveninr, Jancarl
Falotico Avatar
January 5, 2011 at 2:32 PM
Excellent poetry Carolyn.... A love that has no boundies...Perfect entry...Love Michael
Maverick Avatar
January 5, 2011 at 1:55 PM
all the best with this warm hearted write Carolyn, hope to see a top score.
Muzzey Avatar
January 5, 2011 at 1:24 PM
Wonderful write! I have two of the little love bandits who were both rescued from death's door. Enjoyed the read, good luck in the contest. Caryl
Locksley Avatar
January 5, 2011 at 1:05 PM
Katy knew exactly what she was doing when she reached out and grabbed your sleeve. Cats make such loving and devoted pets!
Onclaud Avatar
January 5, 2011 at 12:44 PM
drooling over this charming piece, carolyn.. i have pets and they surely make my day!! fabulous write and best of luck in the contest! :) nette
Neels Avatar
January 5, 2011 at 12:43 PM
An adorable write Carolyn and a unique approach to the New Love Contest ;-) Good luck to you with this gem, love Wilma
Haick Avatar
January 5, 2011 at 12:20 PM
This delightful read has me smiling, Carolyn. Funny how much love our pets will bring to us. Best of luck in Jared's "New Love", Ottava Rima poetry Contest! Love, Audrey
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