Year of the Cat

There’s a song you might know -
It’s called “Year of the Cat.”
It’s an oldie, but really quite good.
It was co-written by
A once-neighbor of mine,
A cool Englishman named Peter Wood.

With his wife and dog Bill
He lived on the 9th floor,
Blasting music well into the night,
But he sound-proofed his walls
And helped tune our guitar
So we got along really all right.

I’m not sure if we knew
At the time that he had
Earned some musical praise and acclaim,
But the time Cyndi Lauper
Appeared on our floor,
Then we knew he had some kind of fame.

Sadly, Peter is gone, 
Dying by his own hand,
But I hear his big hit now and then
And I’m proud I can say,
Thinking back to that time,
That I really did know Peter when…
Copyright © | Year Posted 2022

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Krutsinger Avatar
March 27, 2022 at 3:21 AM
I am looking up this song now in honor of Peter.
Gentile Avatar
March 23, 2022 at 5:05 AM
Wow, what a story ilene! I love that song and still listen to it frequently! I loved reading your marvelous back story. Happy Tuesday !!
Callus Avatar
March 20, 2022 at 8:03 AM
I must confess that I had never heard of Peter Wood, but after reading this lovely and informative poem I spent a while checking out both him and his hit song “Year of the Cat”. ~ Regards // paul
Dietrich Avatar
March 19, 2022 at 3:36 PM
I love the personal facts that you got into this poem. How wonderful to have known the people you knew at that time. Too bad he committed suicide. I will have to hear the song again. the title sounds so familiar but I'm not recalling the tune
Leffanta Avatar
March 19, 2022 at 10:58 AM
I hope your children include, "Guitar tuned by Peter Wood" when it appears on Antique Roadshow.....Enjoyed, Ilene! Aloha!
Baker Avatar
March 19, 2022 at 8:24 AM
Isn't life interesting. Glad you shared your experience with us. Very sad that he took his own life, many creative types do, but happy you knew him when ... Have a nice weekend, Ilene. Bill
Mcleod Avatar
March 19, 2022 at 12:08 AM
LOL that's hysterical Ilene. Great control coming up with the last word in the poem. Well done. Trevor
Allison Avatar
March 18, 2022 at 2:24 PM
It's a wonderful track, such a tragic end to a very talented man. I really loved your tribute:-) hugs Jan xx
Cunningham Avatar
March 18, 2022 at 2:11 PM
So tragic he died so young Ilene, he was a very talented musician. Tom
Hankins Avatar
March 18, 2022 at 1:54 PM
Hmmm...now we're only two degrees of separation from a famous songwriter! I'm so sorry his life ended sadly. Thanks for sharing this personal encounter with us, Ilene. I'll have to look up the song now.
Kyser Avatar
March 18, 2022 at 1:00 PM
I love the piano from that song - very interesting piece. Al Stewart sang. Thanks for sharing!
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