​

every year
at about this time
one of them would go
out of a silent accord
to the cupboard under the stairs
where the old sports gear
boxes of toys
decorations
and sundries resided

​

a few objects moved
a little space made
until the box was found
snug
among the festive decorations

​

out it would come
to be dusted clean
and placed with care
and due respect
on the small table
in the lounge

​

with a little ceremonial flourish
both of them
gathered close as both
participant and spectator
the lid
came off

​

a neatly folded
small package of fur
was carefully removed
and straightened

​

a button found
and activated
to trigger self-inflation

​

it made a small
pop
when it was done
and the sound of air moving
faded
then ceased

​

all that was left to do
in a ritual
developed between them
over many seasons
was to rub
and to soft the ears
between their fingers

​

gradually
a sound became audible
then louder
and unmistakable

​

purr-purr-purr-ing

​

      pats
      stroking
      soft words of endearment
      and encouragement

​

      the seasonal cat
      opened her eyes
      and meowed

​

      oh the joy

​

      happy hours
      of petting
      of rubbing up against people
      furniture
      legs

​

      then finally
      a change
      a look in the feline eyes
      that was somehow
      different

​

      focused
      hungry

​

again together
they opened the door outside
and led the way
to the laden trees

​

cherries
fat baubles of promise
and glow
juice and joy
suspended voluptuously
in their twos and threes

​

so nearly ripe enough
for the taking

​

so clearly
already being taken
for there
plumped as though
in nests of their own entitlement
were a satin bower bird
and a king parrot

​

      the cat hardly glanced at the  birds
      she knew

​

      with a leap
      she was astride the main trunk
      of the first
      ornamented tree

​

      with another
      she was near to the top

​

      a squawking
      a flutter
      a small chaos

​

      the birds were gone

​

they looked at each other
face lit with inner joy

​

such a satisfying moment
every year

​

the saving
of the cherries
by the seasonal cat

​

in a week
perhaps two
the cherries would be harvested
and the cat
once again at rest
in her box
beneath the stair

 

  

​