The Grey Cat

By Kay Watkins, Savannah, Georgia, U.S.

Dictionary definitions tell us that the cat is a symbol of various connotations, including negative aspects, such as links to demons, witchcraft, darkness, as well as very positive characteristics, such as independence, liberty, spiritual enlightenment, intuition, balance, and hope. Cats also symbolize the mystery of life and the uncertainty of our experience of it. This is a common theme of the color grey and is where we get the idea of “grey areas,” to mean areas where we are uncertain. The grey cat embraces this mystery and uncertainty and thrives in it, understanding that perspective is everything and we must often rely on our intuition. The grey cat has a particular tendency towards temperance, symbolizing the need for peace and stability in our lives.

I couldn't sleep
much thru the night.
Fitful dreams were
within my sight.

Decided to toss
and turn no more.
Get up, get dressed
go out the door.

It was Sunday and
early for me.
But the sunrise
I wanted to see.

Got just a glimpse
thru the trees and clouds.
like my heart,
surrounded by shrouds.

It was quiet
out on the streets,
quite deserted
except for bird tweets.

Then smack dab in the middle of a long street did I see,
a green-eyed gray cat as fit as can be.

I'm not a cat person,
allergic to their fur,
so usually stay too far
to even hear them purr.

This gray cat though,
fascinated me,
watching with knowing eyes
all it could see.

I'm thinking there's
a reason for this ...
nature's way of saying
don't let this significance
be dismissed.

Yes, there's so much uncertainty today
with this pandemic
in full horrendous sway.

Affecting us one and all
waiting to get
that dreaded phone call,
”Yes, I've been in contact, too,
and now taking this test is my next thing to do"

Let this vaccine
get thru the trials,
Find a safe way
to store all those vials.
Roll them out,
we'll stand in line.
Praying until then,
our loved ones are fine.

Meanwhile, it's such
a simple task,
For everyone to at least
wear a mask!

Like the gray cat can
"symbolize the mystery of life and the uncertainty of our experience of it"
So is dealing with this pandemic every damn bit.

"The grey cat embraces this mystery and uncertainty and thrives in it, understanding that perspective is everything and we must often rely on our intuition."
May I embrace and thrive too,
as washing hands,
distancing and wearing a mask is my conviction.

"The grey cat has a particular tendency towards temperance, symbolizing the need for peace and stability in our lives."
In my life, too,
among myriad of others,
let peace and stability thrive.

May that also be for me,
instead of to sit around and mope.
The gray cat symbolizes "very positive characteristics such as independence, liberty, spiritual enlightenment, intuition, balance, and hope."

Shalom