First Weeks

The experience of a child sent to school early because the birth of a sister.

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Four years was way too early

Even for a cat loving child

But a new sister needed the space

I occupied in my mother’s arms.

On the first morning I followed a smug Taby

Through an invisible barrier to a Palms Garden,

Forced it to sit on my uniformed lap,

Caressed its back to comfort its fear, my betrayal.

To exorcise grief, I pulled at its tail softly,

The way a small child pulls at her mom’s skirt

To get attention, express jealousy,

hurt.

Never saw Siamese nor Abyssinians.

During recess dozens of feral cats

Of every color held private meetings

That became the school’s signature.

On the seventh day a Calico smiled at me,

Treacherous little one,

I returned home with easily read

Marks of misfortune on my arms.

She kissed them away without fanfare.

Held my face for a sec. Clear eyed

I searched for the sewing kit

To stich my injured heart.

By the fourth week I found

meditating among the bamboo field

A Tibetan monk, long robe, calm eyes,

Paws crossed over its chest.

I sat with it,

Compassionately it dried my tears,

Chanted a favorite lullaby together,

Began my education.

By Alicia Viguer-Espert

From: United States

Website: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id+100010629254468