Comment from mermaids

Excellent

Your theme is so valuable. I am fond of the big cats and would like to see more responsibility like you describe. The cats are only following instinct and we have moved into their territories. Your poem has a strong message with a vivid scene.

 Comment Written 08-Dec-2016

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reply by the author on 08-Dec-2016

The cat in question was pardoned, thank goodness. Thank you for reading and caring.
Carol

Comment from mfowler

Excellent

Terrific choice for your poetic theme, the goats, as innocent as cats are wild. Wonderful buildup towards the killing: the surrounding forests, the pavement of cat and goat in the rural scene, and the lack of protection for the animals. The opening verses leave the reader with a true sense of divestment between animals and their relative needs. The final part of the poem switches slightly and invests comments on God's role. That part was a bit disappointing, but deserves acknowledgement I suppose. The language is great throughout. Some terrific mixing of nouns and verbs to describe the collision of nature and man. Overall a fine piece.

 Comment Written 04-Dec-2016

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reply by the author on 04-Dec-2016

You may be glad to hear that the mountain lion has been pardoned - the land owner will not have him killed, and in return, the Park Service and various non-profits (to which I donate) will build her a better enclosure. She may get dogs too - the livestock guardian dogs are said to be quite effective.

I did realize that the final stanza or two switched, and I knew at that point I certainly wouldn't be courting favor with the contest voters, but decided I had to go ahead with it. The issue is one that I feel strongly about. These people who want to live in the mountains and wild areas, who love the "nice" wildlife around them but want to kill the "bad" ones just make me sick. That is why I invoked the name of Jesus as a curse, not actually calling upon him to help - because, after all, this isn't a fairy tale.
Thanks, Mark! (and Yay for Panther-45, who lives to see another day, catch another coyote or two!)

Comment from michaelcahill

Exceptional

This is so compelling and smooth flowing I didn't realize it wasn't rhymed. In fact, I had to study it to prove it to myself. LOL
I just love the sentiment and blank verse is the perfect vehicle to keep the focus on the message. The language is still poetic and beautiful, though, but not distracting.
A perfect blank verse in every way. To me the most difficult of all forms. Brilliant! mikey

 Comment Written 03-Dec-2016

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reply by the author on 04-Dec-2016

Thanks so much, Mikey! The best part of it is, the mountain lion has been "pardoned" and the landowner is accepting help building better enclosures. What a relief! I know what you mean about blank verse, how it seems like it must rhyme but yet does not (and the CEC will viciously pounce if it does!)
Carol

Comment from F. Wehr3

Excellent

Good work on this piece. I enjoyed your approach to what must be a real issue where you live. The animal is just doing their natural thing, and I believe the onus has to be on the humans. best of luck in the contest.

Take care,
Russell

 Comment Written 03-Dec-2016

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reply by the author on 03-Dec-2016

Yes, it is a real issue. I don't have any animals besides dogs, but if I did have livestock of any sort, they would be protected. The guardian dogs do an amazing job.
Thanks Russell!
Carol

Comment from Joan E.

Excellent

I've been looking forward to this poem from the moment you mentioned it, especially since I live in Malibu and want wildlife protected. The blank verse is an excellent form for this subject, and I admired the details you wove into your poem. The photograph you added is the perfect accent as well. Best wishes in the contest- Joan

 Comment Written 02-Dec-2016

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reply by the author on 02-Dec-2016

Thanks, I don't really expect this to do well in the contest, but I felt compelled to write about P-45. It seems like he's safe, I am SO happy about that!!! It was great to see so many people so very passionate about our wildlife :)))
hugs,
Carol

reply by Joan E. on 03-Dec-2016

Yes, even State Senator Ben Allen joined the voices to save P-45. I hope FanStorians realize the significance of your poem. -Joan

reply by the author on 03-Dec-2016

I think that some do...

Comment from sandy montgomery

Excellent

Wonderful. Someone told me you were one of he best at these. They did not exagerate. Happy this cat will pardoned. Loved your piece. Thank you for sharing your work.

 Comment Written 02-Dec-2016

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reply by the author on 02-Dec-2016

He was pardoned - YAY!!! Honestly, killing him would not be a good solution. Protecting the domestic animals is the way to go - it takes time and money, but if you live near wild animals, it's a must.
Thanks for the praise!
Carol

Comment from LIJ Red

Excellent

Black bears, wild hogs and coyotes, coons and foxes and bobcats and horned owls but thank goodness the restocking of cougars and wolves fell through. Still need a sturdy dog if you aim to have free-range poultry. Weasels are rough on chickens, and possums, too. And Hawks and eagles--no wonder I gave up trying to have gospel birds. Iambs and no rhymes. Giving me blank looks. Excellent.

 Comment Written 02-Dec-2016

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reply by the author on 02-Dec-2016

Well, the thing I learned was, you need a sturdy structure with a roof. The big kitties are good climbers! Coyotes are too. If you don't have a barn, or too many animals to fit in your barn, some people use Anatolian Shepherds or Great Pyrenees dogs as stock guardians. From what I hear, it works really well.
Thanks for the read, Red!
Carol

Comment from Ulla

Excellent

Hi Carol, this is a great blank verse, and I hope you will do well in the contest. Yes, I agree with you it's up to people to safeguard their land and livestock as best as they can. The Mountain Cat is beautiful. All the best. Ulla:)))

 Comment Written 02-Dec-2016

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reply by the author on 02-Dec-2016

Thank you, we love our wildcats in this area - bobcats and mountain lions. Honestly, I love all animals. It makes me angry when human-animal interactions end with the animal being killed - and I'm not talking about hunting. It happens too often!
Thanks for reading :))

reply by Ulla on 02-Dec-2016

We are in total agreement.:)))

Comment from Ric Myworld

Excellent

Such beautiful big cats, but if there isn't enough wildlife roaming free to feed their hunger, then they will eat whatever comes available. And if they get desperate, that might even try to take on a human or two. Thanks for sharing another fine read. :-)

 Comment Written 02-Dec-2016

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reply by the author on 02-Dec-2016

They very rarely attack humans, but I have heard of two cases in California where there were non-fatal attacks. It makes you think twice about going on the trails in our mountains alone! They are very elusive animals though - I have never seen one.

reply by Ric Myworld on 02-Dec-2016

I see a black panther in Florida on a regular basis, and didn't even know they existed there until four years ago. They are supposed to be elusive too, but he is stuck on a little island and is skin and bones. I know better than feed wild animals, but I can't help but leave him a couple roasts and some fish now and again. I've taken him two deer that were freshly hit by cars. He doesn't come close, just watches from the woods, but I've learned his habits well enough to catch a glimpse those three or four times a year when I'm in the state. Sorry, didn't mean to write you a book. :-)

reply by the author on 02-Dec-2016

No, tell me all about it, I'm fascinated! I think you're doing the right thing to leave food for him. Clearly he's not getting enough to eat and isn't a threat to you. It's just one panther after all. Bless you for your kind heart!!!

reply by Ric Myworld on 03-Dec-2016

Thanks for your kind words, but I'm not so sure I'm really that kind hearted. Sometimes I like the animals much better than the majority of humans. LOL! Not really, but the animals sure seem smarter and more agreeable. Okay, I've said enough. :-)

Comment from Douglas Paul

Excellent

This is really a good blank verse. You paint a strong image of the scene of the Lion attacking the sheep. Your notes were really interesting too. This should be a very strong contender in this contest, my friend

 Comment Written 02-Dec-2016

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reply by the author on 02-Dec-2016

Oh, I hope it does well in the contest but I'm not holding my breath. For some reason, my poems are rarely winners. But I keep on going, regardless! Thanks, Douglas :))