Today’s prompt urged us to write something for children, in the style of a nursery rhyme or a favorite children’s poet. When I finally sat down to write (having been caught long at the council of the fellowship in Rivendell tonight) two cats immediately began nudging me, one at each elbow.
I don’t have time for two nudging cats
a cat at every elbow.
Miaow! cries one, the older queen
Purrrt mutters the other, the underling.Go ‘way! says I, I’m trying to work
I love you both very much
MEEEow! sings one, a big brother
Ooow! joins the black little sister.Please, I beg, one little moment
This thing I just need to do
oooh-oooh! chirps one as he jumps up
Me-me! says the black little sister.There’s no getting work done I see now
a cat at every elbow.
There’s purring and calling and mewling
until each ear has been scritched.When they finally curl up to sleep
I might at last have some peace
their furry selves so close up to me
and a cat nap sits a top my head.
Oh silly Helpful Cats!
