Lin Lane Poet Ode

Notes About The Poem

JCB's Ode to Cat Contest ~ May 18, 2026

Ode to Bella

Bella's entrancing green eyes 
stare wistfully into my own.
She's a windowsill jumper, bounding with grace
whose taken over my apartment as if it's her place.
She's such a pretty little kitty, a catnip dancer
who seems to see herself as a feline, divine.

She charmed me on the day I found her
but as a rescue, she needed time to come to me.
I know this is where she was meant to be.
Sweet girl with a history that remains a mystery

She never meows with sass when corrected,
and her purrs are soothing whispers in the night.
Bella brings me hours of great joy
so, I reward her loyalty with a toy or two.

Wearing a long-haired burnt umber coat,
she sidles up to me, anticipating a petting.
Bella bestows love that I'll not be forgetting
A lap-curler when she chooses to be social
but aloof which proves the theory to me...
 'Sometimes cats just like being left alone.'

♡Like0

Share Poem

---

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Andrea Dietrich June 24, 2026 at 5:40 PM She sounds so pretty. Another Bella like Constance's. Congrats on your win

Bj Legros Kelley May 19, 2026 at 5:48 PM How sweet and lucky is your Bella, Lin <3 I too have a feral kitty who chose, after months of living in the neighborhood, and then choosing my backyard, to come inside when coyotes were howling nearby. He never cuddles in our laps, but he does allow us to pet him now, he has come such a long way. We are very blessed to be their chosen people. I love your poem <3

Duke Beaufort May 18, 2026 at 1:04 PM Lin, she was lucky to have you as her companion. Cats are amazing creatures as you describe. The appreciation you express as well as the tolerance you have sum up this past relationship really well. Sending smiles to you and to the lucky cats everywhere. BTW, we're getting my daughter's cat for two weeks in July. We're looking forward to it since he is a smarty. Sending smiles!!

Paula Goldsmith May 18, 2026 at 10:18 AM "Ode to Bella" is a special write for a special pretty little kitty. She sounds so pretty with her long-haired burnt umber coat. What a great ending. Yes, they do like to be left alone. I had cats as a kid but none now. They sure are missed when they leave us. "Good Luck" Have a great day writing away, Paula...........

Daniel Henry Rodgers May 18, 2026 at 9:41 AM Dear Lin, Oh how dear, Bella lives in your muse with a softness that settles into my soul. I imagined her softly stepping through your memories, a small sovereign claiming her kingdom with purrs and burnt-umber grace. Lin, I love the way you honor her, no grand gesture, just pure devotion shaped through daily presence. Cat's really do become our muse. Blessings, Daniel

Ink Empress May 18, 2026 at 6:23 AM I think I might be like a cat, I like being left alone sometimes... awwn Bella so cute, how you've written this ode...so seamless and so heartfelt, have i seen Bella yet? Its a pretty name for a cat. Its always nice to rescue animals, sweetly delivered just like the sweetness within you dear Linnersz. Pleasure reading, sending you light always Lin Lane May 18, 2026 at 6:39 AM I posted a pic of her when I wrote a cat Senryu for JCB. This a true ode because Bella passed on a few years ago. I guess we're both catlike in that we can be happy being aloof. Thanks, Ink.