Cats! (Not the Musical)

OK, the past few entries have been rants about the current state of politics. I could certainly go there, ad infinitum. But I won't, because, frankly, rage is tiring. So...what then?

When I was a kid, I was a dog person. Not that I had much choice in the matter. My parents had a dog. I liked that dog. Ergo, I was a dog person. I will always have fond memories of Baron. Then, about twelve-thirteen years ago (long after Baron had passed) my parents got a cat. Again, I didn't have a choice in the matter. But I was off to college and wasn't really expected to be a part of the decision. So we the family had a small black-and-white tuxedo cat we named Selene, after the mythical huntress goddess. (She was supposed to be a mouser, after all.) I don't know if the mouse situation improved, but we did quickly grow to love her. Then, about nine months ago, my brother got another cat, which he named Axiom. This one, also black-and-white, is a Turkish Van (yes, there is a breed called that) who quickly outgrew the smaller Selene. The two are endless entertainment. Yes, both cats live under the same roof, along with my brother, my mom, and myself. Hemmed in by dogs, I've quickly realized how quiet they are. When's the last time you heard someone complaining about the neighbor's cat meowing too loudly? They're also low maintenance: feed them, let them out, let them in, let them out, let them in... I don't take care of the poop duties (I'm the uncle, after all), but I suspect it's a lot easier than worrying about dog poop. Anyway, now I have concluded that cats are the pet of choice, and I'd bet I'd get one some day. Or two. Or more. Also, I suspect they're a lot lower maintenance than children. I'll leave this musing anti-rant with a poem I wrote about these two kitties:

Cats
by Sean Eret

He, young and restive
flits here and there
never satisfied, he meows tirelessly
concentration never comes to him
not yet grounded, he distrusts and fears the world.

She, mature and at ease
saunters with mindfulness
always content, she lives effortlessly
attention always comes to her
with a firm connection to Earth, the world is hers.

When he dashes about and bounces
his energy's unfettered
happy only for the next big thing
when he plays, he always stumbles about comically
still young, he has much to learn.

When she runs and jumps about
she has an exact exertion
joyously in the moment
whatever her task, she always accomplishes it nobly.
though old, she is young in body and soul.

These two cats, friends and companions
are mirror images of each other
separated only by time.