Kitty Madison

Our house in West Hobart had a flat underneath and, when we bought the house, the flat was occupied by an American woman called Kitty Madison.  She was a very interesting lady, apparently unemployed and she spent her time writing poetry.

Marilyn's father spent a few months with us to help us put the garden in order and he and Kitty used to enjoy morning tea together on the back deck swapping stories. Bill, of course, came from a literary family, both his parents being published authors.

This poem was written at Christmas 1985 to remember the loss of our cat, Angelique.


ANGELIQUE

Penetrating, blue-eyed seer
of mysteries carried
through genetic memory.

Adventurer, climber of rooftops
and tearing holly branches,
hunter crouched for the kill
misled by a swaying leaf.

Companion, foot warmer,
sweet little chatterer,
held close, now in remembrance.

Amidst the fragrance of mint and cress
you are taking your long nap
curled up in God's enfolding lap.

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