Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Marge Piercy’s poem "The Cat’s Song" is a lyrical and whimsical exploration of the relationship between a cat and its human companion, delving into the complex dynamics of affection, independence, and shared experiences. Through the voice of the cat, Piercy captures the unique perspective of this domesticated yet inherently wild creature, revealing insights into both feline and human nature.

The poem begins with the cat claiming ownership: "Mine, says the cat, putting out his paw of darkness." This opening line establishes the cat’s assertive and possessive nature, a recurring theme throughout the poem. The use of "paw of darkness" not only evokes the cat’s physical presence but also hints at the mysterious and enigmatic qualities of cats.

As the cat addresses its human, it shifts between various roles: "My lover, my friend, my slave, my toy." These designations reflect the multifaceted relationship humans often have with their pets, where affection, companionship, dependence, and play are interwoven. The cat’s gesture of kneading "on your chest his gesture of drawing / milk from his mother's forgotten breasts" connects the present moment with primal memories, suggesting a deep, instinctual bond.

The cat then invites the human into its world: "Let us walk in the woods, says the cat. / I'll teach you to read the tabloid of scents, / to fade into shadow, wait like a trap, to hunt." These lines highlight the cat’s natural skills and instincts, offering to share its knowledge of the wild. The phrase "tabloid of scents" cleverly anthropomorphizes the cat’s sensory world, making it relatable to human experiences of reading and interpreting information.

The poem continues with the cat presenting a gift: "Now I lay this plump warm mouse on your mat. / You feed me, I try to feed you, we are friends, / says the cat, although I am more equal than you." This act of reciprocity underscores the mutual, albeit unequal, nature of their relationship. The cat’s assertion of being "more equal" reflects its inherent self-assurance and independence.

The cat’s physical prowess is contrasted with human limitations: "Can you leap twenty times the height of your body? / Can you run up and down trees? Jump between roofs?" These rhetorical questions celebrate the cat’s agility and grace, setting it apart from human abilities. Yet, the cat also seeks physical connection: "Let us rub our bodies together and talk of touch." This invitation emphasizes the importance of tactile communication in their relationship.

The cat’s emotions are described with striking imagery: "My emotions are pure as salt crystals and as hard. / My lusts glow like my eyes." These lines convey a sense of intensity and clarity, suggesting that the cat’s feelings are both strong and transparent. The morning ritual of the cat singing "walking round and round your bed and into your face" captures the intimate and sometimes intrusive nature of pet ownership.

The poem concludes with the cat offering to teach the human various skills: "Come I will teach you to dance as naturally / as falling asleep and waking and stretching long, long. / I speak greed with my paws and fear with my whiskers. / Envy lashes my tail. Love speaks me entire, a word / of fur." These lines personify the cat’s behaviors, attributing complex emotions and communicative abilities to its physical actions. The cat’s final teachings—"to be still as an egg / and to slip like the ghost of wind through the grass"—emphasize the contrast between stillness and movement, embodying the cat’s essence as both a serene and dynamic creature.

"The Cat’s Song" by Marge Piercy is a charming and insightful poem that delves into the intricate bond between a cat and its human. Through the cat’s perspective, Piercy explores themes of ownership, affection, independence, and mutual respect. The poem’s vivid imagery and playful tone capture the essence of the feline experience, inviting readers to appreciate the unique qualities and contributions of these beloved companions.

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