Tailchaser’s Song

For I will consider my cat…

For at the first glance of the glory of God

in the East he worships in his way. For this is done by wreathing his body seven

times around with elegant quickness… For having done duty and received blessing

he begins to consider himself. For this he performs in ten degrees. For first he looks upon his fore-paws to see

if they are clean.

For secondly he kicks up behind to clear away there. For thirdly he works it upon the stretch with

the fore-paws extended For fourthly he sharpens his paws by wood. For fifthly he washes himself. For sixthly he rolls upon wash. For seventhly he fleas himself, that he may

not be interrupted on the beat. For eighthly he rubs himself against a post. For ninthly he looks up for his instructions. For tenthiy he goes in quest of food… For when his day's work is done his business

more properly begins. For he keeps the Lord's watch in the night

against the adversary. For he counteracts the powers of darkness by

his electrical skin and glaring eyes. For he counteracts the Devil, who is death,

by brisking about the life. For in his morning orisons he loves the sun

and the sun loves him. For he is of the tribe of Tiger. For the Cherub Cat is a term of the Angel

Tiger… For there is nothing sweeter than his peace

when at rest.

For there is nothing brisker than his life

when in motion… For God has blessed him in the variety of

his movements…

For he can tread to all the measures upon the music…

–Christopher Smart