House Panther

In August of 2022, my dear friend Sala posted her poetry to Instagram, and I was instantly obsessed! She had captured a warm, cosy, and reflective tone that I could physically feel. She urged me to try writing my own, and the below poem came to life. The early frosty mornings in Armidale were that much sweeter with Biscuit, my beautiful, soul cat. Sadly, Biscuit passed away when she was only 3, but I am grateful to have this poem to remember my time with her.

House Panther

Tiny pawprints on my naked breast,

you chirp, mimicking your morning prey.

A hungry cuckoo, how sneaky you are!

Your winter coat beckons my numb fingers,

as you press our chins to touch.

I’ve missed you, sweet predator!

What did you snatch as I dozed?

A housefly? A silverfish?

It’s not in your nature to boast.

Here, rest in the crook of my arm,

and dream of deer-like spiders.

- Sierra Paige, August 2022

Biscuit! Thank you to another dear friend Oliver for capturing this picture of her.

Picture taken December, 2021