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Weighted and smoothed to sensual finish,
guns say “touch
me, hold me, use me, love me”
by design.
Extensions of human arms,
they seem advantageous; they are like pets.
Affectionate, hungry and beautiful,
they egg their owners on. “At
least
look at
me, please” they say. “Show me to friends.
Put me
between you and potential threat.”
“Clean me,
load me and aim me at targets.
Practice. Purrrrr-fect.“ Little cats and big cats—
they own people—ask any cat person
how we wait on them and serve them, or else.
We train our dogs, but cats train us.
Always a little wild, domestic cats
flirt.
Their play is simulated conquest.
A gun is more innocent than a cat.
I can own one without answering its
siren call, keep it out of sight, lock it
in a safe place. I can ignore it like
a stone in my shoe, like a cat. Perhaps.
For Sumana's Prompt at Poets United
Forgive me for the cat comparison.
It came into my head and I couldn't shake it.
I don't try to live with weapons other than normal household items
which weren't designed for offense and/or defense.
My blog poems are rough drafts.
Please respect my copyright.
© 2018 Susan L. Chast
The gun is definitely a pet in some hands. Its words are chilling to us and inspiring to the hands that own. I like how the cat comes in here.
ReplyDeletei think you're right: Gun owners are in love with their weapons. I have to confess that it's a love that I just don't understand.
ReplyDeleteA very skillful and clever write Susan.
ReplyDeleteI say the following without really knowing, for I have never touched a gun and only seen them as worn by police when holidaying abroad:
But I think you are right in that the gun becomes an extension of the owner - not all of course - and becomes a beloved 'pet'. A pet that owns the owner...
Anna :o]
I have never seen or touched a gun - don't want to - they scare me. But your poem has made me think about why they are so attractive to some people.
ReplyDeleteSadly guns make weak people think they are safe and strong, but it only makes them cruel and unwise. This is a brilliant poem Susan.
ReplyDeleteThis is very clever. Those who keep guns are an ilk who will never understand where we who shun guns are coming from. I really like the comparison to cats who are never fully under our control. An intriguing response to the prompt.
ReplyDeleteClever - the comparison of guns to the all powerful cat who will never be ignored.
ReplyDeleteNot belonging to a gun cultured I can only imagine what it must be like to know that my neighbours have guns in their houses.Danger is a word that springs to mind.
Frankly it negates all the advances and great achievements your country has to offer. I cannot envisage the gun laws ever being changed in the near future.
On an optimistic note - you managed to rid yourself of the scourge of slavery in the past so hopefully in the future at some stage, you will rid yourself of guns as well.
Such an eye opening write - the comparison is unique and effective
ReplyDeleteMy brother sees 's guns like this and so many more people. It's a sickness.
ReplyDeleteenjoyed the cat theme,reads perfectly somewhat on the lighter side but really impressive and expressive..great poem Dr Susan
ReplyDeleteA brilliant write and comparison here Susan! Thought provoking for sure.
ReplyDelete