Rex got a walk up to Main Street,
where we strolled the shops (tattoo parlor, vintage store, CPA,
architect, new marijuana outlet). When we got back Murphy wanted
out, to goggle at a passerby and sniff her way along a neighbor's
fence. Rex and I came too, as military support. There are supposed
to be fierce cats in this neighborhood, and I know one for sure, an
orange beast who terrorized my terrier Missy several years ago.
On this trip, a black and white cat
disappeared into an alley, then an orange one—younger, I think,
than the old bandit who caused Missy problems. The orange cat
advanced down the alley at Murphy, who seemed unconcerned, sniffing
at the wine bottles in a neighbor's recycling bin. I took a step
toward him and he disappeared, but he circled round to come up the
driveway. There is a little cut-through to the trash can there, and,
sure enough, when I looked down it, he was creeping up on us. When I
appeared, he fled. Murphy seemed unaware of these interactions, but
I doubt she was so nonchalant. I imagine her whirling, claws out, if
the tabby had gotten near.
Rex is usually patient with this
sheepdog role—it's extra time out of doors, after all—but today
he kept pulling hard toward every smell. I was taking notes in my
journal, and it was hard to balance pen and paper.
The neighbor who walked his cat down
the sidewalk a few days ago came out and put something in a car. A
voice in conversation was audible from his porch, and I saw an older
man with a cup there. Murphy investigated behind a fir bush, peeing
I think. As she came out, she shook herself, freeing herself from
spider web. We made our slow way back to the steps, Murphy stalking on
hard, lion steps.
When Rex hurried in, she sat to
consider. I opened the door wide enough that she could see that was
no trap from her rival. She and Rex have been skirmishing at his
food bowl, and she has taken up residence on top of the plastic
storage box that holds their treats.
A few minutes later as I cleaned the
cat box, she went to the door again. She must be beginning to feel
comfortable outside the house. We went out. I hosed down the cat
box as she wandered. No Rex this time.
With my slowness
I stop the world.
I choose the time--
you can wait.
--Murphy the Cat
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