The Other Stuck Line

Posted on 12/13/2015 by Andrew Reynolds

As winter approaches, words fall from the tree and are blown across the roof.  Rain falls, soaking the thirsty ground, as I sit on the chair watching the world turn to winter.  A cat jumps on my lap seeking warmth and a friendly place to sleep.  My mind drifts. Thoughts blur as the soft purr fades to warmth and contentment.

The wind blows, gently rattling the screen and that line returns to my brain.  The line that starts and won’t end. That single thought that leads nowhere.  Fragments of words torn from old books and newly reformed in my consciousness.

There are four of them, and Spirit.

Socks.  He’s aggressive and yet a charmer.  He knows how to work his way into your heart.  Socks, the warrior, the bully, the center of attention and the sweet gentleman curling up in your arms melting your heart.

Boots.  She’s a big girl and knows when the food is out.  She’s clumsy and awkward, bit like an old boot.  Given a chance she backs away.  When finally caught the boot nestles like toes into the deep warmth of your arms.

Bella.  She loves her food and soon will be known as Bella the belly.  Aloof and a loner she often growls at the others, warning them of her displeasure.  She likes her toys – a little toy mouse flies through the air when she is near.  She sleeps in the basket in the hall, leaning her head into passersby for that little scratch behind the ear.

Spot.  Smallest and smartest.  Skittish and wary with soft fur.  She watches the doors, trying to figure them out.  She eats little and doesn’t like the rules.  Yet, in the evening she’ll be the first on your lap.  She’s gone before breakfast and is not back till dinner.  Likely, she’s just off seeing how the world works.

And there are four of them, and Spirit.

Spirit. The queen.  The old lady of the house.  Spends all day in her room sleeping in the sun.  The others are of only passing interest and sometimes she aims a hiss their way.  She won’t admit it, but Boots is her favorite – often poking a paw under the door seeking her friendship.  Frail and wise she is our old kitty.

Such are the musing of heart as the wind blows and the cats sleep.  Thoughts wander from the needed storm to the light and warmth of the house.  Christmas tree lit, music playing and tea kettle steaming.

Soon it will be time to sip tea and sit down to write.
Soon it will be time to try to turn my mood into words.
Soon.

Till next week,
Andrew

About Andrew Reynolds

Born in California Did the school thing studying electronics, computers, release engineering and literary criticism. I worked in the high tech world doing software release engineering and am now retired. Then I got prostate cancer. Now I am a blogger and work in my wood shop doing scroll saw work and marquetry.
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27 Responses to The Other Stuck Line

  1. nimi naren says:
    12/23/2015 at 9:53 pm

    “..turn moods into words” – beautiful

    Like

  2. ParentingIsFunny says:
    12/19/2015 at 10:31 am

    Having a warm purring cat on your lap as you sip tea and write sounds heavenly…. I may need to get a cat.

    Like

  3. Mirja says:
    12/14/2015 at 1:14 pm

    Wonderfully warm and loving piece. It all feels so warm and cosy.
    Almost like our North with “proper” winters.:)

    Like

  4. dorannrule says:
    12/14/2015 at 11:25 am

    You have turned your mood into the most beautiful words.

    Like

  5. Jacqui Murray says:
    12/14/2015 at 7:46 am

    As I read your post, I thought these were characters in a tragic dystopian novel you were planning. But I finally figured out they were cats! So much human about these guys.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Andrew Reynolds says:
      12/14/2015 at 9:12 am

      With one cat all you see is cat, but with more than one, you start to see the subtle differences. And yes, it kind of started out as part of my story, but then turned a corner and I just followed it.

      Like

  6. Allan G. Smorra says:
    12/14/2015 at 3:21 am

    You have really catured the essence of what it is to be a cat, Andrew. It is nice that they let you have a chair to share.
    Ω

    Liked by 2 people

  7. Debra says:
    12/13/2015 at 8:51 pm

    Such a nice invitation into your peaceful household, and introduction to the feline personalities! It’s raining right now in the Los Angeles area–love that sound!

    Liked by 2 people

  8. JoHanna Massey says:
    12/13/2015 at 5:50 pm

    What a beautifully written and peaceful slice of your life. Thank you for sharing it, Andrew.

    Liked by 2 people

  9. Nurse Kelly says:
    12/13/2015 at 5:33 pm

    Lovely post, Andrew. That’s a lot of cats!

    Liked by 3 people

  10. Carrie Rubin says:
    12/13/2015 at 5:24 pm

    Sounds like you could turn these wonderful cat personalities into human characters!

    Liked by 3 people

  11. A Simple Village Undertaker says:
    12/13/2015 at 5:09 pm

    Nice to meet the ones that rule the roost. Remember, cats have staff, dogs have masters. Winter?…what does winter mean where you love?….Snow?

    Liked by 3 people

  12. booguloo says:
    12/13/2015 at 4:56 pm

    Love snapshots in time

    Liked by 3 people

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