Mr Pussy In The Dog Days Of August
The sagacious Mr Pussy
There is an exceptional hush upon the East End in August. The clouds hang heavy and the atmosphere is quiet, and my cat Mr Pussy divides his time between dozing on the bed and dozing under a bush. The pace of the city is stilled and Mr Pussy finds the climate conducive to resting.
Mr Pussy observes me with doleful eyes as I go about my daily tasks, too gracious to be overtly critical, yet he hopes that I might one day learn to appreciate the virtue of sitting peacefully for extended periods of time without other occupation, as he does. To this end, Mr Pussy waits patiently until a suitable opportunity when I am settled at my work before he approaches me. Arriving silently like a ghost, Mr Pussy reaches out a soft paw to stroke my forearm gently while I am writing, as a discreet gesture of companionship, drawing my attention without interrupting my activity.
Settling at my side and savouring the tranquillity of the hour, a purr of contentment emanates from him. And if my concentration should wander from my page, searching for a word or casting around to seek the direction of my thought, then I chance upon his hypnotic golden eyes, meeting my gaze with their fathomless depth and opalescent gleam. He has my attention. He has an infinite capacity for staring. He knows I am a neophyte and he is an expert at it. He knows I cannot resist succumbing to his superior mesmeric powers. He has me spellbound and I share his stillness. The house is empty and we are alone. We look at each other eye to eye, without blinking, to see who flinches first.
Almost imperceptibly, Mr Pussy begins to lower his lids and I do the same. I follow along, as his supplicant. Our eyelids move in sync and we are nodding off to sleep, it seems. I might enter the feline realm, if I did not open my lids again momentarily – only to discover that his eyes are open too. It is a moment of mutual recognition. Mr Pussy was testing the quality of my will, exploring my susceptibility to mental control. Mr Pussy observes me. Mr Pussy is implacable, yet he wants me to follow his example. Mr Pussy knows how to be. Mr Pussy keeps himself. Mr Pussy seeks to be calm. Mr Pussy is always present in the moment. Mr Pussy is sufficient.
Equally, Mr Pussy is curious of me and the intriguing nature of my existence that revolves around things other than eating and sleeping. I am the object of his scrutiny, Mr Pussy is studying me. Mr Pussy is an anthropologist, living among those who are subject of his fascination. Mr Pussy’s research methods are unconventional, he thinks he may gain knowledge by osmosis if he sleeps close to me or he may imbibe understanding by lapping up my bathwater.
Not always an entirely conscientious student, Mr Pussy likes to contemplate his findings at length. Mr Pussy likes to sleep on it, and he is a grand master in the art of somnolence. Mr Pussy knows how to behave in these dog days.
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Dear Mr. P, you are so wise, Miss P has taken your advice and she is also contemplating the nature of summer and the value of sleeping on it.
I love to hear from Mr. Pussy. His eyes do mesmerize and he conducts himself with the complete self-assurance of one who can meet any challenge life may pose. Three cheers for Mr. Pussy!
Good to see Mr Pussy again, he seems to a wise cat. Hope he continues to enjoy his summer days. Valerie
Simply put, a delightful read. Thank you.
Oh how I’ve missed Mr Pussy!! Greetings, Mr Pussy!
I’m sending cat kisseys galore (gentle batting of the eyelids).
How we love you, Mr Puss. xx
Fab – cant get enough of the stories about Mr Pussy. Have a cat of my own but she isn’t nearly as affectionate. The very idea that she would oblige with a bit of arm stroking! – er no. The best Ava will do is refrain from walloping me if I try to stroke her – and emit the occasional purr to keep me on side. I am quite sure if I tried to stare into her eyes a swift right hook would put me back in my box. Maybe Mr Pussy would like a companion……….???
Paddy
Congratulations on having a cat which is content to allow you to carry on working while he gathers anthropologic data or meditates on what he has already gathered. Many would have been up on your keyboard with you, possibly chasing the mouse!
How well-described and perfectly true!
Mr. Pussy is quite a dignified, handsome fellow… obviously wise.
Love all your posts but especially love reading about Mr Pussy – and so perfectly perceived and expressed. Thank you for sharing a bit of your life with Mr P.
beautiful cat and beautiful words
thank you
Lovely words. Mr P reminds me of my own dear girl, who loves to laze on my lap, will not take no for an answer (should the laptop or iPad be on my lap) and taps me gently on the cheek if I stop stroking her!
Just beautiful.
In a past item you told us how Mr. Pussy brought you a dead rat for your lunch,and laid it on your pillow.
It is clear that he regards you as another cat, but one who he allows to live in his shadow,
give him a stroke from me.
Gary
Oh Gentle Author, how lovely to see your pictures of Mr Pussy. I lost my cat last month and am still mourning him. He was a black cat too and looked so very like Mr Pussy. Kisses and strokes for Mr P.
How great that you and Mr Pussy understand each other so well. I’m sure he’d give you an A+ for today’s essay. It would be good to see his piece about you, but I do understand that he needs more time on his anthropological studies before he’s quite ready.
Beautifully written a carefully observed study of the wonderful and wise Mr P! Thank you…I was only thinking that you hadn’t written about him for a while so pleased to see he is happy and well and enjoying his Dog Days.
This is my first encounter with Mr Pussy. Lovely and intriguing. Is there a Mrs Pussy or little pussies?