What do self-respecting lesbians do in the face of a crisis? Get a cat of course. Yup, last week we adopted a 6-month-old kitten at the animal shelter where I volunteer as an adoption counselor. His name is Bindi. (Yes, I know, so many lesbian clichés in such a short little paragraph. Have I mentioned I teach yoga and drive a Subaru?)
a sweetie.
Love his name! He’s lovely.
He’s a looker. Love your blog, Catherine. Only a few entries and you’ve already got me hooked.
Bindi is brilliant. Next stop: a puppy.
Catherine,
Lot’s of love coming your way, my dear. What a whirlwind!
We’re sending our love.
-the Fitzs
Hi Catherine
I ran into Ginny today at the store and she told me about your upcoming surgery. I’ll be thinking of you and sending lots of positive energy. In the meantime, I thought you, Mary, and Bindi might enjoy these cat haiku that my brother-in-law sent me this morning.
Take care,
Mary
CAT HAIKU
The food in my bowl
Is old, and more to the point
Contains no tuna.
—-
So you want to play.
Will I claw at dancing string?
Your ankle is closer.
—-
There’s no dignity
In being sick – which is why
I don’t tell you where.
—-
Seeking solitude
I am locked in the closet.
For once I need you.
—-
Tiny can, dumped in
Plastic bowl. Presentation,
One star; service: none.
—-
Am I in your way?
You seem to have it backwards:
This pillow is taken.
—-
Your mouth is moving;
Up and down, emitting noise.
I’ve lost interest.
—-
The dog wags his tail,
Seeking approval. See mine?
Different message.
—-
My brain: walnut-sized.
Yours: largest among primates.
Yet, who leaves for work?
—-
Most problems can be
Ignored. The more difficult
Ones can be slept through.
—-
My affection is conditional.
Don’t stand up,
It’s your lap I love.
—-
Cats can’t steal the breath
Of children. But if my tail’s
Pulled again, I’ll learn.
—-
I don’t mind being
Teased, any more than you mind
A skin graft or two.
—-
So you call this thing
Your “cat carrier.” I call
These my “blades of death.”
—-
Toy mice, dancing yarn
Meowing sounds. I’m convinced:
You’re an idiot.
Love the haiku. To whom goes the credit?
Hi Catherine,
I heard about your diagnosis (and your blog) from Anjula, and I was so sorry and sad to hear it (about the diagnosis, not the blog). I started reading your blog tonight and had to write when I got to this post because, correct me if I’m wrong, but don’t self-respecting lesbians adopt three-legged, geriatric bulldogs during major life events? Plus, I think you only get points for the Subaru if its an Outback.
I’m only kidding. Bindi is beautiful, and I’m looking forward to reading more posts. I’ve been thinking about you and sending healthy thoughts and good energy your way.
Laine