Our cats were mostly indoor-cats, but we did let them out in our fenced, escape-proofed yard with collars, tags and a human in attendance. This was good for me: it got me out of the house. But I wondered: what trouble could the cats get into in such a protected place? Do I really need to be out there with them? One day I found out.
The big elm tree in the center of our yard was an attraction for wild life. Squirrels and birds frolicked in its branches, bringing the cats – and people – much entertainment. But when the cats were outside, it could also bring them danger.
More than once, a squirrel came down the tree and challenged Missy, our feisty brown tabby. I then stepped in, and, if the squirrel hadn’t the sense to retreat, I removed my kicking and screaming little cat to the safety of the house.
But crows were different. They sat high in the branches and screamed abuse at my innocent felines. Archie, the gentle marmalade and white, watched warily from the safely of the patio, but Missy crouched low in the grass and answered them back. As long as it was just noise, it didn’t worry me. But that day, they began to swoop down at her. Archie turned and ran for the safety of the house and I sprang into action.
Leaving my lawn chair, I walked over to Missy and stood silently behind her. She was intent on the birds and did not see me. But the crows did. Suddenly, the yard became very quiet, except for one small cat chittering triumphantly at her foe. Then the crows silently took wing and flew away. Missy rose, and with one last chitter (“I win!”), walked away, swaggering in her victory. And I went back to my chair and book, content to let her think so.
Fight…
When down the path of life I go
And run into a fearsome foe,
Do I accept the gauntlet thrown,
Believing I stand all alone?
Do I return the battle cry,
With shoulders back and head held high?
And does my enemy then flee,
Because My Lord is guarding me?
Or Flight…
Whenever I become aware
Of a new danger, threat or care,
Do I most quickly run in fear
Away from what is coming near?
Do I crouch down and hide my face,
And wish myself a safer place?
But if I looked, would I not see
My Lord between that threat and me?