Catku: What Is the Sound of One Cat Napping

by Pat Welch

Cats share our homes, our lives, and the sunny spot in our favorite chair. We may like to think we own them, but in reality, they have the upper hand, uh, paw. Alternately maddeningly aloof and irresistibly affectionate, mysterious yet familiar, they always keep us guessing about their inner motives and thoughts. And just how might a cat express its innermost thoughts? Undoubtedly in haiku, the ancient 17-syllable form of poetry from China and Japan. With clever illustrations in the style of traditional Japanese woodcuts, more than 100 witty "catku" are collected into chapters such as "The Way of the Hunter," "Mind/Body/Spirit," "The Path to Enlightenment," and "The Physical World." Each one illuminates the Zen-like nature of the cat.The prudence of the hunter:"Stealthy and silent,I stalk birds-but listen forThe can opener."The vagaries of the physical world:"Seeking solitudeI am locked in the closet.For once I need you."Catku will delight cat lovers who will recognize the feline attitude reflected in these verses and perhaps realize that the so-called lazy cat perched on the back of a favorite chair is really just in deep meditation, seeking the path to enlightenment while composing a few more catku.

Genres: Poetry, Cats, Humor

64 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 2004

Reviews

[Cavak · Rating 3 out of 5]

Brief and cute with tongue-in-cheek lighthearted jabs at the hypocrisy of Buddhist proverbs. As well as anyone who is trying too hard in life to "succeed." Since this was written two decades ago, I can forgive the common animal stereotypes within these poems and appreciate the fondness for cats within them. Humor is a hit and miss for me, but isn't it always? Wonder how a more modern version would look like.

[tanja]

There's no dignity
In being sick - which is why
I don't tell you where.

[Barbara Gard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderfully insightful

[Patty · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun, quick read. The haiku are filled with the sarcasm and wit we attribute to the feline attitude toward life.