Southampton is a ferrel cat
stretched out on a grand, green lawn
of broad summer sunshine
Fatted on battered haddock
grappled for against gulls
conquests behind nightclubs
kicked-over street bins
reeking of curry and booze
She cleans her face but not Her fur
Who does She need to impress?
Southampton is a cool cat
catch the rat between two rivers
acrobatics at gas works
parkour-flipping around the old town walls
From hooks of port cranes
She sees it all.
Southampton is a wise old cat
hoisted up quick and sailed close-to-wind
Her kittens roam world-wide
thirst knowledge – take notes
stalk students on side-streets
hide beneath Ford Transits
Southampton is flattered
by the kindness of strangers
You’re fun – She likes to play
Curl up with Her by the coal fire
Stroke, purr, snooze,
Come dawn She’ll yowl you out of bed
Howl and holler ‘til She’s fed
Southampton is the eternal cat
you will never own
She’ll still be here
when you’ve sneaked out
by the back stairs
never to be forgotten
so longed for on your return
You will find Her asleep on tombs of sea captains
who dutifully sank with their vessels
You will find Her at the dock-gates
preening Her paws for sailors
from mighty merchant boats
who came bearing gifts
in big metal containers
For this ship’s cat
that can stare at Queens
Call Her names across the pitch… Scummer!
But don’t come looking for a fight – Mush!
Or She’ll give you War
Southampton. The great Defender
She sees you in the dark
She will hook out your eyes
with Her steel claws
One Spitfire pounce can kill
Wounds licked – She’ll be on her feet again
This Cat has nine lives
Poem and Photos © Southampton Old Lady
