Words Are Like Cats

We are not in charge

Photo by Alice Feigel on Unsplash

Words are like cats disguised as biddable children.
We think we are in charge of the words and the cats.

We assume our wishes will be unquestionably obeyed.
Such simpletons we are , living in a fool’s paradise!

The wise know that both words and cats choose their own way.
Beautiful they may be, beguiling, bright-eyed, benign. . .

but cross them, misjudge them, and worse, try to force them
and the claws spring out and the air stings with hisses.

What to do? What to do?

Respect the words. Concede the superiority of cats.
Fine stories, potent poems, and life-affirming grace may follow.