Of Cats and Calendars

Here’s a hauntingly beautiful poem by RavenWing Crawford, a friend and brother in Gay Spirit Visions, about his late feline companion, Bodhicat. The poem is posted here by kind permission of RavenWing, along with his introductory note about the poem:

The events took place on the evening of Dec. 23, 1999
I wrote the first draft of the poem on the morning of Christmas Eve, Dec. 24, 1999
while listening to the service of nine lessons and carols from King’s College, Cambridge

Of Cats and Calendars

Last night it snowed,
First of the season for us
This morning, drops of red
Decorate the approach to our front porch

Last night, Bodhicat, my little panther, my cherished boy,
Caught a bird on the wing and placed it lovingly on the door mat ...
A cardinal ... a gift for us

JohnBear, returning home from a party, found it ...
Bodhi came in with John ... all twists and twirls,
Boundless affection for us, his Big Ones

I took two feathers to honor the spirit, and the gift,
Gently placed the Bright Bird beneath an evergreen.

We thanked Bodhi, making much of him...
Mighty hunter, generous heart.
And then I went aside, to grieve for the fallen brother

This morning, drops of red decorate the snow
Does Bodhi know another, older, mystery?

Great One, Head of All Power, Weaver of the Realm of Light
Grant me strength gently to walk in this time, this place
Amid the revelers and the desperate lonely ones

Born anew, born again, Child of Mystery
Swaddled in darkness, Bearing Light

When you come for me, Great Hunter,
May I turn to greet You with open arms
Turn my neck to Your kiss


~ RavenWing Crawford