Homage to The Naming of Cats by T.S. Elliot

Our Feral Dinner Guests

Tigger and Midnight are not in sight
probably just out cattin’ around
while Yinyang lounging mid-driveway
surveys my trip to the trash can
eyes half open in feigned interest
already had their evening stash

Tigger a.k.a, Gray, Stripes, etc.
a gray tiger, timid and jumpy
our newest feral dinner guest
preceded by Midnight
a.k.a. Blacky, Spooky, etc,
a moving, yellow-eyed pool of darkness

and his companion, Yinyang
a.k.a. Clown, Moe, Patches, etc.
the feral, but less timid than Tigger
equal parts black and white
perfect hedgerow camouflage
in the dappled sunlight

Midnight and Yinyang had been lounging
around our yard and back door for awhile
we put out a water-bowl and some food
our Chihuahua refused to eat
they were thin and rangy, obviously hungry
so picked up some cat food

been feeding them ever since
same time every morning
every night
lounging by the back door
anticipating gourmet delights
disappointed, but ate every bite anyway

and yes, they told me their names
well, worried them into my brain
obviously, the ones
we’re allowed to know
not the secret ones that
only the kitties know

dah…

–LE – 10/26/24