The cat invited me to fill my lap
with heavy, lithe contentment.
We curled together on the couch,
purring pressure as she arched her neck
against my hand, languid comfort,
her body nestling into mine.
I roused, my hand still stroking lightly
in my sleep, cat vanished to other ventures,
the niche indented by her form
still vibrant with her warmth,
my fingertips caressing air
in silken touch remembrance.
– Sarah Russell
First published in Purrfect Poetry Anthology
Sarah Russell Poetry 
This felt like phantom pains from the time I had cat… lovely to go to sleep together like that..
LikeLike
There’s nothing like the “white noise” of a cat purring. Thanks, Bjorn.
LikeLike
Ooh..❤️ I adore that closing line..❤️ *swoooon*
LikeLike
Thanks, Sanaa. They are like silk, aren’t they.
LikeLike
I shall read this poem to my cats when each of them takes turns on my lap, Sarah. My two great loves – cats and poetry.
LikeLike
Thanks, Kim. I hope they enjoy it. (If you pet them whilst reading it, they’ll like it better…)
LikeLike
This is lovely, and the idea of the cat inviting and leaving at will is so true. We get them on their terms. 🙂
LikeLike
Absolutely on their terms. Thanks, Crystal.
LikeLike
the contentment of the purring……the touching, the caressing, the closeness…and then the phantom touch even when that creature of comfort has left one’s sphere of curved body, the well where it once was. Beautiful.
LikeLike
Thanks so much, Lillian!
LikeLike
I wish I had a cat like that instead of the two antisocial savages that live here.
LikeLike
Oh, I feel for you. There’s nothing like a cat who won’t have ANYTHING to do with you. They owe you a cuddle every once in awhile.
LikeLike
The little one isn’t unfriendly but she’s in a world of her own, not entirely feline. When you pick her up she goes sort of stiff like a stuffed toy. Trixie just won’t be picked up. I’ve never known a cat, not even our Siamese, with such a repertoire of angry noises.
LikeLiked by 1 person
A gorgeous poem that brings back happy memories from all the rescue cats we used to have. Sometimes I can see that soft dent on the duvet amd hear a gentle purr as if they continue to visit from across the rainbow 🌈
LikeLike
Thanks, Xenia.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You bring me right there and then in the moment of contentment, and then remembering her warmth ~ Lovely share Sarah ~
LikeLike
Thanks so much, Grace.
LikeLike
I like the description of the cat filling one’s lap with contentment.
LikeLike
Love their purr. Contentment for sure!
LikeLike
I’m a cat lover even though I’m severely allergic. Their silken feel is like no other. Love this phantom cat.
LikeLike
I’m allergic too, but I do love them!
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂
LikeLike
I always called their purring kitty magic. I love this poem. It brings back all the cats I ever loved.
LikeLike
Oh, I love ‘em too. Tuxedo Cats mostly. Thanks, Toni.
LikeLike
🐱
LikeLike
“my fingertips caressing air
in silken touch remembrance.”
Lovely.
All your words breathe contentment.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much. I think the contentment they bring is why we love them so.
LikeLike
you’ve described this warm and comforting experience so well.
LikeLike
Thanks, Beth!
LikeLike
Absolutely purrfectly catlike! Made me smile, cuz you wrote exactly the way cats are.
LikeLike
Thanks, Kris. I love the quiet sensuality of cats, so that’s what I was aiming for. Glad it succeeded!
LikeLiked by 1 person
it did!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Kinda made me want to purr myself. Well done!
LikeLike
Aw, thanks, Sue!
LikeLike
kaykuala
I roused, my hand still stroking lightly
in my sleep, cat vanished to other ventures,
Such a blessing to be comfortably having a nap together
Hank
LikeLike
Indeed it is. Thanks, Hank.
LikeLike
Cats. They do call the shots don’t they. So beautifully written Sarah:)
Pat
LikeLike
Thanks for stopping by, Pat. Yes, they do call the shots. But they’re worth it when they decide to love you.
LikeLike
Yes they are ☺
LikeLiked by 1 person
The “silken touch remembrance” still rings true to me even though the last time I had a cat nap was over a decade ago. A beautiful write here. Purrfect!
LikeLike
Thanks, Colin. I don’t have a cat now either, but that kind of soft lingers, doesn’t it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sure it does!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh! How this makes me miss my cat! This is beautiful.
LikeLike
I don’t have one right now either, and I miss that sweet presence.
LikeLiked by 1 person