Things I'Ve Learned From My Cat

I have a dear old cat named Simba who is wise beyond his years.
He likes to lounge upon my lap and have me scratch his ears!
His soothing purr relaxes me and calms the rhythm of my heart,
But more than that he shares subtle hints that keep me from falling apart!

He's taught me to be satisfied with what I have and not to fret.
He doesn't ask much of me - just food and drink and his needs are met.
Simba has also taught me to set aside time to muse and contemplate,
To take an occasional nap, be of good cheer and to watch my weight!

I've learned from him the virtue of patience (Lord knows I need more of that),
As for hours he stalks unwary prey and pounces upon it in nothing flat!
This inscrutable pal has shown me the importance of perseverance.
His ritual laves have made me conscious of maintaining my own appearance!

'Tis well known that cats are curious and he has honed my curiosity,
That I might apply myself to meet life's challenges with virtuosity!
Now, if only he would share with me the secret of how he survives,
That mysterious matter of reincarnation so that I can enjoy nine lives!

Robert L. Hinshaw, CMSgt, USAF, Retired
© All Rights Reserved

Copyright © | Year Posted 2011



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

Date: 3/5/2011 11:13:00 AM
I enjoyed your description of cats. I myself am not much of a cat person as I think they act like they are too good to be a pet and somewhat snobby. However, you depiction is accurate. I also really like the last lines.
Login to Reply
Date: 3/2/2011 10:48:00 PM
In the opening scenes of "The Godfather", Marlon Brando had a cat on his lap as he listened to the undertaker describing his story. You have described your cat very well with these words and rhyme. Great job, Bob
Login to Reply
Date: 3/2/2011 5:12:00 PM
Would be nice to have longevity if we could only be able to carry forward things learned..Enjoyed your thoughts about cats and life..Sara
Login to Reply
Date: 3/2/2011 4:32:00 PM
Well I am making this one a new fav Bob because I have my two cats and can really relate to this wonderful write .. cats teach many things.. simplicity of life and satisfaction of soul.. amazing my friend.. and your rhyme is impeccable for sure luv..
Login to Reply
Date: 3/2/2011 3:59:00 PM
You know, Bob, we really can learn a lot by watching animal behavior. Cats are a special species. Fast, entertaining, patient and affectionate. Who could ask for more? Love your poem! Love the author too. Carolyn
Login to Reply
Date: 3/1/2011 2:45:00 PM
They truly are magical creatures. This poem is also magical. Thank you for sharing, Robert. Lainie
Login to Reply
Date: 3/1/2011 11:30:00 AM
what a wonderfull observation in lessons learned from a cat. and a wonderful job in rhyming. T. S.
Login to Reply
Date: 3/1/2011 7:03:00 AM
I was always a "Dog" guy, Sarge. Never cared much for cats until "Princess" came along. She won my heart and was with us for fourteen years. Been gone two years now but I still miss her. Still prefer dogs but now I also like cats. Awesome piece, my friend. Enjoyed. Have a great week. Thanks for your kind words. Ralphie
Login to Reply
Date: 3/1/2011 3:25:00 AM
Just wonderful and so right on about kitties which I have two of.They are Kismet(Kizzie) and Layla and they are such a joy.Well done! love,Deb
Login to Reply
Date: 2/28/2011 6:52:00 PM
This is so adorable that I don't know how the Air Force can get along without you. I'm sure you did your job as grand as you wrote this poem. Kiss Simba for me.
Login to Reply
Date: 2/28/2011 6:30:00 PM
excellent poem on the power of the puddy cat. As you may recall I too have a cat named Simba. Amazing to study these animals as you;ve so clearly shown. We learn much about them and ourselves. Awesome write. Oh yeah.... Simba's full name is Simba Callica Simbala. She's a calico. heh heh. Enjoyed your write Bob. Smooth and natural with nice clean rhyming.
Login to Reply
Date: 2/28/2011 6:17:00 PM
lovely poem Bob, much enjoyed
Login to Reply
Get a Premium Membership
Get more exposure for your poetry and more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Radiant Verses: A Journey Through Inspiring Poetry

Member Area

My Admin
Profile and Settings
Edit My Poems
Edit My Quotes
Edit My Short Stories
Edit My Articles
My Comments Inboxes
My Comments Outboxes
Soup Mail
Poetry Contests
Contest Results/Status
Followers
Poems of Poets I Follow
Friend Builder

Soup Social

Poetry Forum
New/Upcoming Features
The Wall
Soup Facebook Page
Who is Online
Link to Us

Member Poems

Poems - Top 100 New
Poems - Top 100 All-Time
Poems - Best
Poems - by Topic
Poems - New (All)
Poems - New (PM)
Poems - New by Poet
Poems - Read
Poems - Unread

Member Poets

Poets - Best New
Poets - New
Poets - Top 100 Most Poems
Poets - Top 100 Most Poems Recent
Poets - Top 100 Community
Poets - Top 100 Contest

Famous Poems

Famous Poems - African American
Famous Poems - Best
Famous Poems - Classical
Famous Poems - English
Famous Poems - Haiku
Famous Poems - Love
Famous Poems - Short
Famous Poems - Top 100

Famous Poets

Famous Poets - Living
Famous Poets - Most Popular
Famous Poets - Top 100
Famous Poets - Best
Famous Poets - Women
Famous Poets - African American
Famous Poets - Beat
Famous Poets - Cinquain
Famous Poets - Classical
Famous Poets - English
Famous Poets - Haiku
Famous Poets - Hindi
Famous Poets - Jewish
Famous Poets - Love
Famous Poets - Metaphysical
Famous Poets - Modern
Famous Poets - Punjabi
Famous Poets - Romantic
Famous Poets - Spanish
Famous Poets - Suicidal
Famous Poets - Urdu
Famous Poets - War

Poetry Resources

Anagrams
Bible
Book Store
Character Counter
Cliché Finder
Poetry Clichés
Common Words
Copyright Information
Grammar
Grammar Checker
Homonym
Homophones
How to Write a Poem
Lyrics
Love Poem Generator
New Poetic Forms
Plagiarism Checker
Poetry Art
Publishing
Random Word Generator
Spell Checker
Store
What is Good Poetry?
Word Counter
Hide Ad