Photo by Eve Ellen Maher
Cactus-Tailed Cat
Copyright © 2023 by Cheryl Batavia
Earthly Days
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Earthly Days
“Cactus-Tailed Cat” is one of the poems that will be appearing in Earthly Days. It was first published on this blog in 2020. In that photo, the cat had a tail made of a cucumber!
Here is the poem as it appears in Earthly Days with a new photo by my daughter, Eve Ellen Maher, the cat’s current owner. Ellen is an ordained chaplain, following in her grandfather’s footsteps. The cat now has a real cactus tail.
This is the second in a series of three posts about my paternal grandparents.
Gulf Coast Poet 
wow what a tail … I mean tale! Such an interesting story 🙂
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Haha, Kate! Glad you found the story interesting. Thank you for your kind comment. ❤
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these personal titbits are always fascinating Cheryl 🙂
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A wonderful story in poetic form. Well done and thanks for sharing.
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Thank you, Frank, for your lovely response. ❤ ❤ ❤ So happy you enjoyed the post.
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Yes, a wonderful, narrative poem. 🙏🏽
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So happy you liked the poem, Ellen. ❤ Thank you so much for your kind comment!
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Oh, you are most welcome, Cheryl! 👏
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I loved the poem, the truth in your family story and the cat with the cactus tail is delightful! What an amazing blessing the Sunday school gave your family. A legacy I am sure was passed on to many others in the church too. ❤️🙋♀️
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Thank you for sharing your beautiful thoughts, Morag. This is a family story as told to me by my grandmother and my father. Since I was not around in 1936, I improvised the conversation in the Sunday School class. We never know the impact of a small act of kindness on the lives of others.
Have a happy weekend! 🙂
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Thank you, you too 🙏🙋♀️
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Hi Cheryl, I’ve been having my share of computer issues, hopefully, it’ll be back to normal soon.
This is a delightful poem and I love how the family tradition has been handed down over the years … 😀🤗💙😍🐶
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Oh, Ivor, my sympathies on the computer issues. That is the worst! Hope it is soon resolved. Between our lackluster internet provider and my antiquated computer, I have a few issues with my computer too.
There are few physical mementos remaining from those times, mostly memories! I am glad we still have the little ceramic cat. Thank you so much, Ivor, for your lovely response!
You and Frankie have a great weekend! ❤ ❤ ❤
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Oh it had a cucumber earlier. This is interesting. The cactus looks amazing in this cat pot. 😀
This is a lively poem. I enjoyed reading it. Thank you for sharing it 🙂
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Kritika, I love your description of the poem. ❤ Thank you so much! Have a great weekend! ❤
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Have a great week! Happy Birthday to Robert 💖🎉🎊
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Thank you for the birthday wishes, Kritika!
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🙂
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Lovely tail, isn’t it. Thanks for sharing.
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Thank you, JM. 🙂 My pleasure to retell this old family story. ❤ Enjoy your weekend!
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WOW! That is one heck of a true story, Cheryl! ❤
Much love,
David
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So glad you like the story, David! It is amazing how one small act of kindness can change lives. Thank you so much for your very kind response! Shabbat Shalom. Have a great weekend! ❤ ❤ ❤
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Not yet, but looking forward to that 😀
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What a lovely story, and the picture makes me giggle 😊 Maggie
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Thanks, Maggie. The cat has always amused me too. 🙂 Glad you enjoyed the post! ❤ I wish you and Richard a great weekend!
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A lovely story, Cherly.
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Thank you, Rupali. ❤ So glad you enjoyed the post. Have a beautiful weekend!
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Dear Cheryl, this is a lovely poetic story of the collection of your poems, and my favourite one. Readers will certainly find these poems fascinating and enjoyable.💖💖
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Thank you, KK, for your very kind remarks. ❤ It means a lot to me that you like this poem.
Hope you have a wonderful week ahead enjoying holiday festivities! 🙂
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You’re always welcome, Cheryl
And yes, festivities are on. Thank you 🙏💖
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That is a lovely story, Cheryl, and the cactus used as the cat’s tail is very cute and unique. 😹
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The cat is pretty goofy-looking, I must admit! 🙂 So happy you enjoyed the poem, Eugi! Thank you so much! ❤
The leaves must be changing color! Have a beautiful weekend!
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A few leaves are changing colors but it will be a while before we have full color. I thought the cat was cute and loved your poem. ❤️
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❤
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Fascinating story, Cheryl. I look forward to reading your new collection.
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Thank you, Rosaliene. So glad you enjoyed the poem. Have a beautiful weekend! ❤
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Thanks! You, too ❤
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What a great title – and an equally great poem to go along with it. Love it, Cheryl! ❤
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Thank you, Wynne, for your beautiful comment! ❤ ❤ ❤
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Interesting!! Also I love the cat…it’s too pretty 😍
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Thank you, Kajal. I’m glad you enjoyed the post and the cat. 🙂
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This is a beautiful tale (pun intended!) which warmed my heart, Cheryl – what a wonderful legacy! ❤️
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Thank you, Ingrid, for your humorous and heart-touching comment! ❤
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You know I loved this poem. A real treasure. And the story of the poem is fascinating. I adore it. Xoxo
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Thank you so much for your beautiful comment, Selma! ❤ ❤ ❤
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You’ve framed the emotions so well in the verse
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Thank you, so much, Shereen, for your lovely comment! ❤ ❤ ❤ It means a lot to me.
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Loving this photo and its accompanying poem that chronicles an emotional tale (pun intended!) 😃
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Thank you, Layla, for your light-hearted comment. I think our goofy-looking little friend is from the Art Deco period! So glad you enjoyed the post! ❤
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