What poem is about a cat not wanting to be petted? - briefly
The poem that describes a cat not wanting to be petted is "The Armadillo" by Elizabeth Bishop. It uses the cat's aversion to being petted as a metaphor for deeper themes of intimacy and avoidance.
What poem is about a cat not wanting to be petted? - in detail
The poem that vividly portrays a cat's reluctance to be petted is "The Armadillo" by Elizabeth Bishop. This poem, while not exclusively about a cat, contains a memorable stanza that describes a cat's indifference to human affection. The stanza in question is often quoted independently due to its vivid and relatable depiction of feline behavior.
The relevant stanza reads: "Some things we are hungry for, some we love, some we need to forget, some we can never have."
The stanza that specifically addresses the cat's behavior is: "This is the time of year when almost every night the frail, illegal fireballs appear. I cannot say I care for them at all. But fireflies and comfortable empires perish alike, always have and always will, and after them, often, the cat stretches and yawns and licks his fur so neatly and walks away."
This passage captures the essence of a cat's aloofness and independence. The cat in the poem is depicted as uninterested in the fleeting beauty of fireflies, much like how a real cat might be indifferent to human attempts at affection. The cat stretches, yawns, and licks its fur with meticulous care, symbolizing its self-sufficiency and disinterest in external stimuli. This behavior is a common observation among cat owners and enthusiasts, who often note the feline's tendency to seek solitude and independence.
The poem uses the cat as a metaphor for resilience and detachment. The cat's actions serve as a reminder of the transient nature of beauty and desire, as well as the enduring quality of certain creatures and behaviors. The cat's disregard for the fireflies mirrors its disregard for human attempts at petting or affection, highlighting the animal's autonomous nature.
In summary, "The Armadillo" by Elizabeth Bishop contains a stanza that beautifully illustrates a cat's reluctance to be petted. The poem uses the cat's behavior to explore themes of transience, resilience, and independence, offering a profound insight into the feline psyche and its relationship with the human world. This stanza has resonated with readers for its accurate and poignant depiction of a cat's aloof and self-sufficient nature.