ANOTHER CAT : ANOTHER CHRISTMAS MEMORY

REFLECTIONS IN UKAIAH’S GOLDEN EYE

This cat you rescued from the night

has grown sleek and shiny black.

Here in my lap she wafts her tail

in contented response to my praise

and looks at me.

Sunday is quiet now, before Christmas.

Vivaldi deepens the sheen of tinsel

and from such a glow I admire

tall Eucalyptus against scudding clouds

and turn to light the candles. I remember

a time upon time of blonde curls

and bright blue eyes, sheer joy, perfect grace,

flesh from mine, heart’s utter devotion

in red corduroy elation and royal ruffles

beneath fragrant fir. Benedictus…bene…

bene…child crystaling gaze. Rarest gold.

Such alchemy offers immortal loveliness,

and Ukaiah is my witness to this truth.

–Barbara Smith Stoff

Advertisement