you can see the softness in the eyes
of the alley cats
and the people who feed the alley cats treats from their hands;
the cat people,
with the soft smiles and the soft hands
for the rough tongues and sharp claws.
but the alley cats say sorry to us with a soft meow
and let us pet their soft heads;
looking at us with their soft eyes.
(blown pupils and primordial pouch full of love)
they have soft hearts
though they give us soft slaps with soft tails.
gaining their trust is soft too.
the alley cats love softly.
and soft sleeping is how they say
i love you, soft stranger.
thank you for giving me some food.
you can see the softness in the eyes
of the alley cats
and the people they love like their own;
the cat people.
we are the ones with the soft smiles and soft hands.
never once minding the rough tongues and sharp claws.
and the soft slaps with soft tails.
(curled tail and harsh hiss full of anger)
we relish the soft sorries and cradle the soft heads
blinking at them soft and slow
so as to say
i love you, soft soldier.
thank you for saving my life.
Please give a detailed explanation about the meaning and main idea of this poem.
“[T]he [C]at [P]eople" captures the relationship between alley cats — strays — and the people who care for them, referred to as "cat people." The main idea of the poem revolves around the notion of softness in both the actions and emotions of these individuals and cats. The concept of “softness" is intertwined throughout — not just in a literal sense, but also as a metaphor for compassion, understanding, and love.
The main idea of the poem centres around the tender and compassionate connection between these two groups—the alley cats and the cat people. It highlights how this bond is built on a foundation of gentleness and understanding; an intricate journey, gradual yet fulfilling. The poem also suggests that despite the roughness and challenges that may come with it (represented by sharp claws, rough tongues, and soft slaps), the love and care shared between the cat people and the alley cats remain tender and sincere.
The "softness" in the poem is multifaceted.
We see this in the aspect of physical softness:
The poem repeatedly references the softness in the eyes, heads, and hearts of the alley cats. Their eyes are described as soft, and they allow the cat people to pet their soft heads. The "primordial pouch" is mentioned as being "full of love," implying that even their physical features convey a sense of softness and affection.
It can also be seen in the form of emotional softness:
The alley cats express their apologies with a soft meow, indicating a gentle, non-threatening demeanour when interacting with the cat people. The trust they build with the cat people is also characterized as being soft. This emotional softness speaks to the vulnerability and openness that both the cats and the cat people exhibit in their relationship.
Finally, “softness” is seen through the lens of unconditional love:
The love shared between the alley cats and the cat people is described as soft. The act of "soft sleeping" is portrayed as a way for the cats to express their gratitude and affection to their caregivers — trust that their cat people will protect them from any harm, no matter what. This love is pure, gentle, and without conditions, making it all the more powerful.
The poem also touches on the idea that the cat people, despite experiencing some challenging aspects of the relationship, still cherish and appreciate the alley cats. They don't mind the roughness, and instead, they value the softer, affectionate moments—the apologies, the softness of the cats' presence, and the sense of being cared for.
Overall, “[T]he [C]at [P]eople" celebrates the softness in the relationship between these two groups, emphasizing that love and care can thrive in the most unexpected places and that tenderness can be found in the most seemingly rough exteriors.
Please explain your writing and thought process regarding this poem.
I like to compare my writing process to a 10km sprint (not that I have ever run one... I am a writer, not a track star). It is hard and long, but I get it done all in one go. No matter how much of a torpid state it will leave my brain in afterwards.
Once an idea has implemented itself in my head parasitically, I have to take immediate action. This idea came to me when I saw a prompt online to write something with the idea of "soft" as a running motif. That's when it happened; what is soft? A cat. I love cats. Synapses were being fired. I practically ran from the backyard to my laptop in my bedroom. I was very close to spraining an ankle.
This meant, as always, that I was opening that Word document - a mass-document for all my work that I aptly have named "Poems" - and blurting out everything I could. Then, I let it sit; stew for a while. Really develop its qualities. Like a polaroid photo... or a really good soup.
Typically, I leave my work alone for a night or two, then muster the courage to look at my "brain-vomit" once again. That is when I see the faults, and make my edits. I clean it up, make it all polished and shiny. Then, it is all ready.
Why did you choose to write this poem?
I personally have been "adopted" by a stray cat, whom I have affectionately named Baby (he is, however, quite old). I find that caring for a stray animal has been one of the most fulfilling things I have ever done. Seeing that gradual progression from hesitancy to unwavering trust has been a process of learning and patience, as well as being an emotional rollercoaster. It is all worth it, however, to hear Baby's soft purrs, or seeing him contentedly flop at my feet and let out a trilling meow for a belly scratch. As I have mentioned during my writing process, I saw a prompt online to write something with the running motif of "soft," and I was looking at Baby and thought, well, you're soft, aren't you? "Soft" for me has meant a lot, generally. It is not just a texture or a feeling, but a state of being. Soft. Softness comes in many forms, but I thought the cat-human relationship encompassed it best for me.
Do you have any tips or anything to share with the youth writers who may be reading this?
Do not stop trying. My grade 9 English teacher said it best; "There are many readers out there waiting for you." This is my mantra. Make it yours too.
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