A Glimpse Into This Brain of Mine Part 2

on raising kittens

What life below my loins do lie
That fills this night with cries and mewls
A month twice passed of toil and try
Six perfect younglings under me
My tongue so rough; their coat so fresh

Scruff under tooth for those uncouth
Whence the struggle of hunger befalls my jaws
One by one, I retrieve my youth
At my bosom they nurse with might
They stagger away; sleepy with milk

Wherefore hath these two fortnights gone so quickly
Enough trouble caused for thrice that long
The smash of pottery awakens my mind yet again
Voices of guilt begin to sound from the far room
That makes nine this day alone; as duty calls i must away

Tail under tooth as the senses grow
The swish of calico fur entices the instincts
Pounce! A hiss from my throat unchecked emerges
Yet they do not appear fazed and remain at play
Continuance of such play ends; the first purrs emitted-sleep

For what doth my children want with thine incessant mewing
They’ve been outside and fed but twice
Not one will sleep with me under the midday sun as before
One bites my tail to rise me to play
Grateful for engagement; I accept immediately

Time with my darlings ends this morn
My first litter has grown so well
They are ready to face the world with new families
This sixth month seems so far from the first
Kittens with their eyes softly closed; wobbly steps make me so proud