Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: EXPRESSION (11/12/20)
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TITLE: Who Needs Words? | Previous Challenge Entry
By Marilyn Borga
11/18/20 -
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But as soon as the fragrant pan disappeared into the oven, she turned on her heel and stalked away. “You are a huge disappointment and an utter bore!” she seemed to say.
Of all the animals in creation, none are better at expressing themselves than felines. You dog-lovers may disagree; it’s your prerogative. But we cat-lovers know what we’re talking about.
Elvira’s long silky fur was as black as a moonless night. Her boa-like tail would have made an exotic dancer jealous. Her golden eyes shown like jewels in her delicate face. She walked with elegant grace. We exchanged a myriad of emotions in our seventeen years together, all without words on her end.
She spent hours sitting in a window perusing the neighborhood. Her pendulum tail changed pace as anything interesting came into view. A statue-still crouch meant a squirrel had entered her domain. A disdainful twitch of the tail meant a dog and its owner was passing by. A wide yawn was reserved for a long line of vehicles waiting at the stoplight.
Her belly-up stretch was a lesson in relaxation technique. The head-up, feet-tucked-under nap spoke of cozy contentment. An occasional sleepy one-eyed peek to survey the room ensured all was well in the household. Serious sleep demanded a curl-up position in a soft space, often with a paw over the eyes. “Leave me alone, Dahling. I must have my beauty rest!”
Impatience was expressed in a loud meow as she insisted I hurry up with the can opener already. Anxiety made her cower under the sofa whenever a little person entered the house. She reacted with open-clawed stiffness and resignation on the rare occasions when a bath became necessary. Her frequent loud purr signaled that she appreciated her peaceful surroundings and warmth.
I did my best to parrot her own cat language back at her, but she never seemed impressed by my efforts. We had a thousand conversations nonetheless. Friendships thrive when one is willing to listen, and Elvira was a good listener.
There were years when I walked a balancing act of caring for teen-aged children, a husband, and an Alzheimer’s-stricken mother. Elvira was a confidant who never judged and never sassed back. Beyond her basic needs, she never demanded more of me than a warm lap to curl up in.
She was a sounding board for my frustrations and fears. She absorbed my tears, my rants, my silent sorrows, and brought me peace. Little Elvira couldn’t take away my trials, but she was a comfort and a loving gift from the God of all comfort, just when I needed her.
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