Greetings all
It’s been a while since I last put a post out there of some depth. I thought, come on let’s get a few words out into the ether. I sat by the PC for a while and thought, what shall I type then for I must confess that little was coming through.
My eyes alighted upon a couple of coasters I created and fell upon an old fisherman with a healthy catch and a cat. Now, if I was to be in the creative fiction writer no doubt I’d have a battle of wits with the hungry fisherman and a most pernicious feline. No doubt you’ll be relieved that today I shall not venture quite down that path but ponder instead what this may mean, for there is always a reason.
The words that come to me are companionship. Let’s not be in doubt of the beautiful symbiotic union that co-exists between humans and animals when we learn to cultivate that aspect. There is a spark of co-operation between the two species that transcends the minds when humans gather. Isn’t it quite incredible how we can communicate most effectively without necessarily looking for words but gestures, intuition, looks and sensory perceptions allow us to be comfortable with each others attributes.
My own personal preference is for cats. They are quite unique in their crafty way in how they train us humans. Yes of course the human may think differently but cats will give affection on their terms, go wandering to wherever they wish and play when they want too. They will also alert the human of when the human is causing them irritation with a swift wipe of paws with claws. Conversely, when the dear tabby is feeling the call of hunger they will no doubt leap upon their owners lap and remind them with vocal and physical persistence.
So, here we are. Let’s come back to that original premise of a fisherman, catch and a cat and see what pours out of the cradle of creative thought.
Ernie glanced at the prize with a tincture of pride. He’d spent the good part of the day gazing out across the English Channel in perfect silence. The sun wept hazy rays of chilled warmth into his face, carved in deep ravines from salty gales.
He never complained. He looked instead to the array of barges, ships, ferries scuttling to and fro and observed like a wizened statue. His rod twitched. Ernie remained still, years of patience etched into his experienced bones to quell the excitement of a good honest catch. Again and again the rod shivered in his arms until at last the bite seized the bait.
The tussle between man and fish began in a whirl of movement and battle. Ernie’s arms strained as he coaxed and fought for his meal. Closer and closer the line came. He raised his rod with aplomb and a smirk of satisfaction cheered his ageing heart whilst he tore the fish from the ocean. It was a good size. The fish asphyxiated in the poisonous oxygen stealing away its life.
Ernie packed the fish in ice, put away his gear and traipsed back to his Fiesta. He drove home without event to his cottage and looked far and wide for his companion. No sign. He sighed, turned the key and set about filleting. He poured the contents into a pan, threw in a few vegetables and a creamy sauce. He set out a two plates, one for himself and one for his partner.
He drew forth his cutlery, a tray and emptied the contents onto both plates. The sun snickered a last stare into his home with a magenta flare before night came calling. He heard his partner return, call out a greeting and the confident resident demanded attention. Ernie chuckled, as he always did, and gave his best friend a fine repast.
“I was wondering when you were going to turn up. Enjoy.”
Mr. Muscles paid him little heed. He tucked into his meal with alacrity, purring in excitement as the unfortunate fish made itself at home within. He licked the plate clean, looked up to Ernie who had half a meal still to devour.
One simple miaow and another generous heap of white meat refilled his plate. Soon, both plates were emptied and Ernie sat down, turned on his telly and the stresses of the day escaped him. Mr. Muscles, curled up on his lap, enjoying the sensation of Ernie’s hand stroking his spine. The sun disappeared and both fell into a most restful sleep.
Well, there we are, an unexpected piece and I do hope you found it entertaining. For me, this illustrates the companionship available to us through our furry friends. When you think of those who are often alone with a pet, you may find that is their best friend. So, spare a thought for those whose pets cross the rainbow bridge, for they can leave a massive hole.
Much love and I shall type again soon.