Robert Peake

The most striking feature of Marvin Bell’s craft talk during the Pacific University MFA Winter residency was his closing remark about the three traits of the artist. Here is what I wrote down:

1. A disregard for convention
2. A strong inner direction
3. A love of challenges

I have been meditating on these qualities ever since, seeing where I can, for example, wipe the dust of adoration from my eyes and transcend old lyric devices. Then it occurred to me that our cat, Miranda, exemplifies all three traits in abundance throughout her daily life.

I’ve decided cats like poets, and not just because they’re warm and still while reading and writing. It seems poets like cats as well. I was sorry to hear of Michael’s loss today. Having grown up highly allergic to cats, I always thought I didn’t like them. Then Miranda came into our lives.

This morning, during meditation, she curled up on my lap. Afterwards, Val pointed out that she has been much more inclined to be close to me since I have been getting up early to write. I have been calmer, and more in touch with my poetic sensibilities (rather than my type-a technocrat sensibilities), and our cat can tell.

She’s a kind of barometer of consciousness on furry little legs. And, of course, she knows all the coziest spots in the house, suitable for reading, writing, or having a good wash with the tongue.

We adopted the little sister of David’s new cat. How could we resist? She purs everytime you look at her, so we decided to name her “Miranda” (which means worthy to be admired or looked at in Latin). She has been settling in nicely to her new abode (our guest room) and is playing, flirting, sleeping, and otherwise feeling quite comfortable with us and our place. No doubt soon she will be exploring the rest of the house, and eventually the garden. Our lives are already the richer.