.

Territorializing

Slithering slowly, so very precise,
A methodic invader (and catcher of mice),

She stealthily slips toward the enemy there,
So unsuspecting, at rest by the chair.

Without a diversion to aid her approach,
And only her instincts, I watch her encroach.

So lethal and cunning, the hair on her back
Stands rigid… it bristles before the attack.

Her innocent victim still lies unaware,
No clue he is fixed in the merciless glare

Of the eyes of a killer. With talons now bare,
His heartless attacker now springs through the air,

And, sinking her claws in the neck of her prey,
She arches her back and then hisses to say,

“No stupid dogs are allowed in this room.
Try this again and you’ll know the same doom!”

And off the dog whimpers, like you’ve never seen,
And I have to tell you… that kitten is mean!

.

.

Mark Stellinga is a poet and antiques dealer residing in Iowa. He has often won the annual adult-division poetry contests sponsored by the University of Iowa Writer’s Workshop, has had many pieces posted in several magazines and sites over the past 60 years, including Poem-Hunter.com, PoetrySoup.com, and Able Muse.com—where he won the 1st place prize for both ‘best poem’ of the year and ‘best book of verse.’

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10 Responses

  1. Paul A. Freeman

    Go, tiger! Yep, we had a cat like that once.

    A lovely poem you could tell your kids to instill a love of poetry.

    Thanks for the read, Mark.

    Reply
    • Mark Stellinga

      It was fun to write, Paul, back when I was around 30, and always gets a healthy chuckle at the facilities I recite at.

      Reply
  2. Roy Eugene Peterson

    I agree with Paul. This is a great poem for kids of all ages. Poor unsuspecting dog! You made me laugh again!

    Reply
    • Mark Stellinga

      Thanks, Roy, I can only imagine how many time this has probably happened! Always nice to know when one of my many comical pieces garners a laugh – here’s to countless more – 🙂

      Reply
    • Mark Stellinga

      It does hold ones attention :-), Margaret – glad you enjoyed it –

      Reply
  4. Cynthia L Erlandson

    Wow, that one was a blast, with a surprise ending! Since “a catcher of mice” was mentioned early on, I was surprised that it was a dog that was attacked.

    Reply
    • Mark Stellinga

      More often than not, as we all know, cats & dogs get along quite well, but a scared-poopless, hunched-up, hissing kitten was just too darn irresistible to pen about – thanks for commenting, Cynthia.

      Reply
  5. Gigi Ryan

    Dear Mark,
    Your storytelling in this poem is captivating. I, too, loved the surprise ending.
    Gigi

    Reply
    • Mark Stellinga

      I was quite sure you’d enjoy it, Gigi, given what I’ve read of your lighter pieces.
      Loving animals as I do, I tossed a whole bunch of ‘animal-themed’ works into my latest thumb-drive book. Thanks for the note –

      Reply

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